Probe Panel’s Chairman Also Facing Scrutiny

Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.), who heads the House committee that is investigating Democratic campaign financing, on Saturday found himself defending his own fund-raising at a celebrity golf tournament.

Burton heads the House Reform and Oversight Committee, which is looking into allegations that President Clinton peddled influence from the White House and took illegal campaign contributions from foreign entities.

His committee also will oversee the award of a federal telecommunications contract worth at least $10 billion. Currently held by AT&T;, the contract expires in December 1998.

Last month, Burton was the only congressman invited to play in the AT&T-sponsored; Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He played with the chairman of AT&T; Corp., then accepted a $2,000 campaign donation from the phone company.

“I raised in the last cycle about $400,000,” Burton told a gathering of conservatives at a downtown hotel, “and I’m going to tell you, for $2,000, no one is going to buy anyone’s vote and certainly not mine.” He said he didn’t discuss the federal communications contract with AT&T; Chairman Robert E. Allen.