Helms Can Still Chair Senate Panel, Dole Says

WASHINGTON —  Sen. Jesse Helms’ comments about President Clinton should be no barrier to his becoming chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Republican leader Bob Dole said Wednesday.

Helms (R-N.C.) was strongly criticized by several Democrats, including Clinton, for his remark that the President was so unpopular with the military that “he’d better have a bodyguard” if he visited Helms’ home state.

Several critics said such comments raised doubts about Helms’ fitness to head the Foreign Relations panel when the GOP takes control of Congress in January.

Dole said Wednesday that Helms had told him the comment was made when he and a reporter “were joshing back and forth.”

Dole said he had assumed that, but “it probably shouldn’t have been said, even in jest.”

Still, the Kansas senator said he saw no problem with Helms assuming the chairmanship.

In general, Republicans have steered clear of criticizing Helms.

Helms said Tuesday that he had made a mistake.

He had nothing further to say on the subject to reporters outside his home Wednesday.