WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- United Press International's roundup of notable news, hot gossip and important events shaping politics and public policy in Washington and the world.
A giving city -- For the fifth consecutive year, a night of comedy is being dedicated to the benefit of a worthy cause. The Comedy Concert for Children's Hospital will feature nationally known comedians like Mike Birbiglia, Rene Hicks, and Jim Morris, who are all donating their services for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Foundation's Child and Adolescent Protection Center at the hospital. To date, the event, which this year is at the Warner Theater on November 5, has raised over $450,000. Sources also say that, by popular demand, there may be a surprise appearance by Hotline columnist Howard Mortman. The same source says that if advance tickets sell really well, then Mortman will not appear. So buy your tickets early.
Passing moment -- Former South Carolina GOP Gov. Carroll Campbell, who epitomized the Republicaness of the New South, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Campbell, a little-known congressman when he won the governor's mansion, was often seen as the likely successor to Republican Sen. Strom Thurmond, the longest serving member of the body in U.S. Campbell has headed an insurance trade association since leaving politics.
With both feet -- Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Daniel Wathen shocked the state's political structure on Wednesday when he abruptly quit the bench and announced he will run for governor in 2002. Wathen is a registered Republican and will run as one. Early speculation held that, since GOP leaders were surprised by the move, he might run as an independent instead.
Merger politics -- Capital Comment has learned that the Federal Trade Commission has been granted custody of the pending Hewlett-Packard-Compaq merger. The marriage of the two computer giants will create one of the world's largest companies and is likely to be closely scrutinized by government regulators and some members of Congress.
Eyebrows up -- The Rev. Lou Sheldon, head of the conservative Traditional Values Coalition, has raised some eyebrows with his call for public and private relief agencies to withhold aid from the partners of homosexuals murdered in the Sept. 11 terror attack. The statement, which has been denounced by those on the left and right, was made after Sheldon learned of the distribution of aid and the advocacy of such assistance by such as Empire State Pride Agenda, a homosexual organization. "There is no question that groups like the Empire State Pride Agenda would very much like to redefine what marriage is and how marriage functions and who enters into marriage," Sheldon said, accusing such groups of taking advantage of the tragedy to push their agenda.
Personnel notes -- President Bush intends to nominate R. Alex Acosta to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board for the remainder of a five-year term expiring August 27, 2003. He is currently deputy attorney general in the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. Former Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Brandstad has been named by the president to be chairman of the newly created President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education.
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