Reagan Replaces Abrams as Lobbyist for Contra Aid

President Reagan named former Rep. Tom Loeffler (R-Tex.) today as his chief lobbyist for aid to the Nicaraguan contras , a new position created to remove controversial Assistant Secretary of State Elliott Abrams from the selling job.

Loeffler, 40, will be responsible for coordinating the lobbying efforts of the White House staff, the National Security Council staff and the State and Defense departments during the Administration’s fall drive to win a new installment of $105 million for the contras.

It will be the first request for additional aid since the scandal erupted over the diversion of profits from Iran arms sales to the contras.

Abrams, the assistant secretary in charge of Latin American affairs, is a figure in the scandal and, according to congressional leaders, has lost credibility with lawmakers over testimony about his role.

At the State Department, spokesman Charles Redman said Abrams will remain in charge of policy in Central America.

A White House spokesman said Abrams will still have a central policy role to play in the debate, but somebody of Loeffler’s stature is needed because of the difficulty the Administration expects in rounding up the votes, making it, for the first time, a full-time job.

Diplomatic officials said Loeffler’s function will be to deal with Congress, a place where Abrams is bound to have problems.