July 15, 1997:
Massachusetts Gov. William Weld (R), whose nomination to become ambassador to Mexico is being held up by Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jesse Helms, attacks the North Carolina Republican in an unusual news conference in Boston.
Helms, a strong conservative, has said that Weld is not of "ambassador quality." He expressed strong opposition to Weld's position of supporting the medical use of marijuana and giving needles to heroin addicts. Weld, in today's presser, urges President Clinton not to give in to "ideological extortion."
The White House will continue its support for Weld, but Helms, in refusing to hold confirmation hearings, wins in the end. Weld will withdraw his nomination on Sept. 15.
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