Washington Thursday Journal

News events and political issues were examined through reviews of the morning newspapers; interviews with journalists, newsmakers and legislators; and viewer telephone calls, faxes and electronic mail. In the first segment, Kathy Kiely talked about the morning headlines including Senator Robert Dole(R-Kansas)'s resignation from the Senate. In the third of a five-part series on government agency downsizing, Fred Hansen talked about how the Environmental Protection Agency is dealing with budget reductions and changes in environmental policy implementation structures. In the newspaper roundtable, Representatives John Baldacci(D-Maine) and Jim Nussle(R-Iowa) discussed current issues, including government decentralization and Senator Dole’s decision to resign. Christopher Perry talked by telephone about his political views and upcoming first presidential vote. In the final segment, Richard Benedetto talked about the possible effects of Senator Dole’s resignation on his presidential campaign close