Bush Shakes Up His Staff, Moves Closer to Making Bid for Presidency in 1988

Vice President George Bush, moving closer to running for President in 1988, announced a major staff shake-up today, and sources said plans were under way to form a political action committee on his behalf within two months.

Frederick N. Khedouri, an associate director of the Office of Management and Budget and a specialist in key policy areas such as energy, environment, agriculture and space, was appointed Bush’s deputy chief of staff.

Marlin M. Fitzwater, a veteran government press officer respected for his knowledge of economics and other domestic issues, was named press secretary, leaving his post as White House deputy press secretary.

Joan M. McEntee, one-time chief counsel and staff director of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, was named staff assistant and deputy to Chief of Staff Craig Fuller.

Stronger Staff Sought

In political circles, there has been general agreement that Bush needed to strengthen his staff if he planned to run for the GOP presidential nomination in 1988. Bush has said he is taking steps necessary to keep his options open for the presidential race but has stopped short of declaring his candidacy.

In all, six new people joined the staff, three Bush aides changed jobs or titles and four staff members were expected to leave.

The vice president’s supporters said the changes, coupled with the recent move of Fuller from a senior White House job to Bush’s staff, signal that Bush is getting closer to running.

“It tells anyone out there who may have not been sure or may have been thinking about going with one of the other candidates that George Bush probably will be a candidate,” said one associate, who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

“I think the changes give him a stronger team for the next four years,” he added.

Forming Action Committee

Two sources, also insisting on anonymity, said a political action committee will be formed for Bush soon, probably within 60 days. The committee--similar to those set up for potential GOP rivals Howard Baker, Jack Kemp, and Robert J. Dole--initially would raise funds for Republican candidates in next year’s midterm elections before focusing on a Bush campaign.

In a written statement, Bush said, “I am very pleased to have strong, capable people joining those who have been with me and served so ably for the past few years.” The changes take effect April 1.

Fitzwater, who succeeds Peter Teeley, now a private consultant, said the changes are intended “simply to ensure a solid staff for the next term. It’s too early to speculate on political aspects of staff changes.”

Three people appointed as deputy assistants to Bush were Thomas J. Collamore, who will be the staff secretary; Andrea L. Fischer, in charge of scheduling; and David J. Ryder, head of advance.

C. Boyden Gray, the vice president’s legal counsel and deputy chief of staff, becomes counselor to the vice president, while Jennifer A. Fitzgerald, now in charge of appointments and scheduling, will become chief of Bush’s Senate office. Susan Porter Rose, chief of staff to Bush’s wife, Barbara, also will be a deputy assistant to the vice president.