Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 4, 1993                   TAG: 9311040024
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

PACKWOOD REJECTS RESIGNATION, WILL FIGHT SUBPOENA

Packwood also declared he was "absolutely not" guilty of misconduct in attempts by two lobbyists and two businessmen to hire his wife.

The Oregon Republican said "That's correct" when asked whether he would serve out his fifth term despite a call from the Senate's senior Democrat for his resignation.

"I would hope just the keeping of a diary is not conduct unbecoming a senator. I would hope raising the Constitution as a defense is not conduct unbecoming a senator," Packwood said.

Packwood declined further comment on a speech by Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., Tuesday night in which Byrd said Packwood "has lost his grasp of what it means to be a U.S. senator" and should resign.

Packwood spoke the day after the Senate voted 94-6 to demand full disclosure of his diaries as part of an ethics committee inquiry into alleged sexual harassment and possible criminal wrongdoing in connection with employment offers to his wife.

He also confirmed statements by his chief of staff and attorney that he would resist the subpoena in federal court.

Although Packwood disclosed the job offers Tuesday on the Senate floor, this was the first time he denied any wrongdoing in connection with the hiring incidents.

Wednesday, the chairman and vice chairman of the Senate ethics committee said Senate lawyers would be ready to take the legal action within two weeks to force Packwood's compliance with a subpoena for his diaries. Sens. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also urged Packwood to "comply and not require the committee to go to court."