“The best environmental adviser to Gore is Gore,” says Beth Viola, a former environmental adviser to Clinton. Yet the VP has kept an inner circle of confidantes. Some, such as Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, have had enough of the Beltway and probably won’t stick around. Here’s who’s waiting in line.
ADVISER
Carol Browner
BUSINESS CARD
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
CLOUT
Won high marks from greens as the longest-serving EPA head in history. Gore’s former legislative director.
CASTING CALL
Insiders say the deft administrator might make an ideal chief of staff for Gore.
ADVISER
Katie McGinty
BUSINESS CARD
Senior Policy Adviser, Troutman Sanders LLP (a law firm)
CLOUT
As former head of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, she devised a tree-friendly forest management plan for the Pacific Northwest. A key Gore environment pal.
CASTING CALL
The odds-on choice to replace Carol Browner as EPA chief.
ADVISER
Bill Richardson
BUSINESS CARD
Secretary of Energy
CLOUT
Clinton’s go-to diplomat for international spot fires. Latest assignment: talking OPEC’s prices down. Even better: He’s one of Gore’s Cabinet faves.
CASTING CALL
Gas prices and atomic scandals may scuttle VP Hopes. Plan B: Interior Sec’y.
ADVISER
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
BUSINESS CARD
Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council
CLOUT
This devout Hudson riverkeeper cleaned up the Hudson and Long Island Sound through savvy lawsuits. Raised big cash for Gore from environmentalists. Great last name.
CASTING CALL
Could get the top enviro job in Justice or become National Parks Service director.
ADVISER
George T. Frampton
BUSINESS CARD
Acting Chairman, President’s Council on Environmental Quality
CLOUT
Former Wilderness Society head. Helped direct cleanup after Exxon Valdez spill as assistant Interior secretary. Gore’s private lawyer during Buddhist Temple campaign-finance flap.
CASTING CALL
Up for a plum spot in Justice or Interior.