‘Statesman’ Baker Named Japan Envoy
President Bush named former Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. to be ambassador to Japan, saying he was proud to tap “a true statesman” for the important diplomatic post.
Baker would replace former House Speaker Thomas S. Foley.
“Howard Baker will represent our country with honor and distinction,” Bush said in a statement.
Baker, 75, made an unsuccessful run for the White House in 1980. He served 18 years in the Senate, four of them as majority leader, and became chief of staff to former President Reagan in 1987.
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