Gore Signals He’d Keep Greenspan at Fed

Vice President Al Gore sent a strong signal that he would favor reappointing Alan Greenspan, 73, to another term as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Asked about Greenspan’s future, the Democratic presidential candidate told reporters that it has been his policy and that of President Clinton to avoid discussing personnel matters until it is time for a decision. Greenspan’s current four-year term as Fed chairman, his third, runs until June 20, 2000. Gore added, however: “I’ll send you the clearest signal I think is appropriate to send. . . . I personally believe that no one could have possibly done a better job.” There had been times “when I have doubted that,” Gore said, “but fewer and fewer because I think the overall record is one of really an outstanding, A-plus-plus performance.” Clinton said this month that he has yet to have a discussion with Greenspan about the Fed job. The widespread view in Congress is that Clinton will probably ask Greenspan to stay on, given that it would be difficult for the president, serving his last year in office, to win approval in the Repubican-controlled Senate for any other nominee.