Rogan’s Ready to Be 2000 Target

Of the 13 House managers prosecuting President Clinton, few are considered in greater jeopardy of political backlash than Rep. James E. Rogan. Yet the Glendale Republican sat calmly at his desk Thursday, hands folded and television cameras rolling, and declared himself prepared for electoral challenge from any quarter--even one backed by the president.

“He can take his best shot,” Rogan said. “I’m here.”

Rogan was responding to a report in the New York Times that Clinton is targeting pro-impeachment Republican forces in the 2000 election as part of a strategy to retake the House of Representatives for Democrats.

The report, disputed by White House officials, nonetheless was taken seriously by Rogan. As a GOP incumbent in a district in which more voters call themselves Democrats, he says he has learned to live with political volatility.

“I expect World War III every two years in my district, and I’ve gone through so many wars now that I can show you my medals,” Rogan said.

Because of his prominent role in the Clinton impeachment trial, Rogan has drawn a level of national attention unusual for a congressman beginning his second term. Indeed, his name has been floated as a possible Republican candidate against Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) next year.

Rogan deflected such speculation Thursday. And most of the rapid-fire news session was devoted to the electoral dangers Rogan faces, not electoral opportunities.

First question: “Congressman, are you feeling like a lame duck these days?”

Rogan: “No.”

Later question: Please comment on whether you were placing your political career at some risk by prosecuting the president.

Rogan: “I might, you’re right. And that’s the way it goes.”

The 41-year-old Rogan, elected to the 27th Congressional District in 1996 by 7 percentage points and reelected last November by 3 points, sought to turn the reporters’ attention back to a president who was on the verge of acquittal.

The House prosecutors, he said, were “not the ones who have caused [Clinton’s] problems. The president caused his problems.”

The media descended on Rogan’s suite, Room 126 of the Cannon House office building, after the story in the New York Times quoted anonymous Clinton advisors as saying that Republicans, including the House managers, are on a short list of presidential targets.

If the prospect of having a bull’s-eye painted on his seat bothered him, Rogan did not show it.

“I don’t think the president needs my invitation to come to the district,” Rogan said. “And if he does come, maybe he can sign a picture for one of my little girls. We’ve got a scrapbook for him.”