Sen. Simon Doubts Congress Will Try to Impeach Reagan

Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois, a Democratic presidential contender, said today he doubts Congress will try to impeach President Reagan as a result of the Iran- contra scandal because the nation needs stability in the White House.

Simon, in an interview following an Iowa campaign appearance, said a call for impeachment will be considered if there is “absolute proof” Reagan was involved. But he added the “mood of Congress” is against such an undertaking.

“I doubt we are going to move in that direction. If you had absolute proof, then it would be considered. But at this point, I don’t know if the President was involved. I’m not sure if the President knows if he was involved,” Simon said.

Rep. Lee H. Hamilton (D-Ind.) said Sunday that lawmakers probably will call for impeachment proceedings against Reagan if evidence shows a “smoking gun” memo from Lt. Col. Oliver L. North reached the Oval Office. (Story on Page 15.)