Clinton Offers Weld as Mexico Ambassador, Gears for Fight

Despite stiff resistance, President Clinton nominated Massachusetts Gov. William F. Weld on Wednesday to be U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

Weld’s future is uncertain. Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, promises to block confirmation hearings, and the depth of White House support is questionable.

“It’s going to be a difficult confirmation fight, and we recognize that, but it’s one that’s well worth making given the superior quality of the nominee,” White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said.

“I know this thing is not a certitude, given the position of the chairman. But there is work to be done, and this is not work that I shrink from at all,” Weld said.

The White House had said for weeks that Weld, a moderate Republican, was Clinton’s choice. The formal nomination was delayed to let aides complete a background check and gauge the strength of opposition.

Helms raised objections to Weld’s views on drugs, such as his willingness to allow marijuana use for medical reasons.

Knowing that Helms can block confirmation single-handedly, White House aides privately asked Weld if he would consider another post and leaked the prospect to reporters. The governor accused Helms of “ideological extortion” and publicly refused to consider an alternative White House offer.

That forced Clinton either to formally select the governor or to withdraw the nomination.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) told reporters that Weld would “absolutely” win confirmation from the full Senate. “I think it’s regrettable that a very small number of Republican extremists have evidently taken a position that they’re going to do what they can to deny him the opportunity for service,” Kennedy said.

In Boston, Weld said Wednesday he will not immediately resign his current office and is heading to Washington next week to consult with State Department officials.