A Maine Man Heads Home

Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell is that rare breed of politician who is both partisan and fair-minded. Last week he stunned colleagues on both sides of the aisle by announcing that, after 14 years of service, he will not seek another term. Steering clear of the rage for nasty partings Mitchell instead offered his colleagues warm words of praise: "I'll leave the Senate with good feelings. It's a great institution."

But Mitchell's decision promises only headaches for his fellow Democrats. At a time when President Clinton is trying to push through reform bills on health care, welfare and crime, the Democrats hold a slim six-seat majority in the Senate. Four other Democrats have already announced plans to retire, while another four are expected to face close elections. With Mitchell's retirement, his Maine seat could fall to a Republican, particularly if Governor John McKernan decides to run. The Democrats, meanwhile, must find a worthy candidate by the April 1 filing deadline.

Because there is no obvious candidate to succeed Mitchell as majority leader, his departure set off an immediate scramble. Thomas Daschle of South Dakota discreetly worked the phones, gauging potential support. White House insiders would be happy with Daschle or West Virginia's Jay Rockefeller. And some Senate staff members mentioned Louisiana's John Breaux, a prominent opponent of the Clinton health-care package.

Following the announcement Friday, Mitchell was upbeat about his departure. "I'm in good health and good spirits," he said. "This is the right time for me to consider other challenges." While the Supreme Court is a posssibility, the buzz in Maine is that the majority leader is going to enter the major leagues as the next commissioner of baseball. His biggest boosters are likely to be two longtime pals: Boston Red Sox owner John Harrington and former Red Sox general partner Haywood Sullivan. As yet, no official offer is on the table.