WASHINGTON INSIGHT

TENNESSEE WALTZ: Despite the mixed reviews for his campaign finance probe, many Republicans still consider Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) one of the most intriguing potential contenders for the White House in 2000. But he could find his way blocked by another Tennessee politician--and not Vice President Al Gore. Former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, who ran for the GOP nomination in 1996, is openly gearing up for another run--and most Republicans believe there’s not enough money in the state to bankroll bids by both of them. “I don’t think you will see both Lamar Alexander and Fred Thompson at the starting gate,” said Nashville developer Ted Welch, who has raised money for both men but is closer to Alexander. Alexander backers believe his brisk early organizing will lock out Thompson, even if the senator later decides to run. But Thompson fans believe he will prove a fresher face--especially after Alexander’s failure to break through last time. “Lamar had his chance to tell us what was beyond the plaid shirt,” jeered one Thompson ally, “and there was nothing.”

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MEXICO TWO-STEP? Some GOP insiders see signs that Massachusetts’ Republican Gov. William F. Weld may also have his eye on 2000 as he struggles to rescue his beleaguered nomination as ambassador to Mexico. Weld, a socially moderate fiscal conservative, last week blasted Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for blocking his nomination. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a leading Republican voice on issues affecting Mexico, says Weld’s unusual decision to publicly challenge Helms has hurt his chances of winning confirmation. But McCain--himself a possible also-will-run--wonders if Weld wouldn’t mind a losing confrontation that burnishes his credentials as a leader of the party’s socially moderate wing: “Does he have some other view that martyrdom might become him?” McCain asks.

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FOR BETTER OR WORSE: Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher (D-Pleasanton) was among the bipartisan band of House freshmen that recently drafted and unveiled a campaign finance reform bill despite great opposition from leaders of both parties. Such resistance put extra pressure on the freshmen to stick together. But it was easy for Tauscher. “I know how to work in a bipartisan way--I have a Republican husband,” she said, referring to her investment banker mate, William.

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REFORM YOURSELF: When Rep. Rick Hill (R-Mont.) was home recently, he told constituents at a public meeting how House leaders of both parties have been resisting campaign finance reform. Hill said leaders have told their members that if reform legislation was enacted, they would “have to turn off the lights and shut the door,” meaning it would would doom incumbents. At which point a voice in the back of the room yelled: “So what’s the problem?!”

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YOU WANNA WITNESS? While several key figures in the campaign finance controversy have refused to testify before the congressional investigative committees, erstwhile Clinton defender James Carville says he would love to appear before the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Carville concludes an aggressively sarcastic letter to committee Chairman Dan Burton (R-Ind.), by saying, “So hoss, just give me a call, stack up the Bibles, and let’s get it on!”