Washington Whispers
Arnold as the Future Henry K?
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's play to push up the state's presidential primary to give it a bigger say in the 2008 race, coupled with his aggressive moves to build a strong legacy, has Washington wondering about his next act. Constitutionally barred from being president, the Austrian-born actor-politician has been rumored to be interested in running for the Senate. But allies say he has another thought: secretary of state. And not because of his accent; they say he's internationally famous for his Terminator role and an able diplomat who has many friends in world capitals. And about that accent, says a pal, "he's easier to understand than [former Nixon Secretary of State] Henry Kissinger."
Only in Arkansas: Lawyer McDougal
Hollywood might have to delay work on that movie bio we recently noted on Whitewater figure Susan McDougal. She's trying to change the ending. We've confirmed that the former jailbird wants to be a lawyer. She's applied to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. McDougal was pardoned for her conviction on Whitewater-related fraud charges, so that wouldn't block her from joining the bar. But legal experts say those blemishes might run her afoul of the good character requirement.
No Sissy Sauce for Pentagon's Gates
Defense Secretary Bob Gates reveals that he's a strict traditionalist when it comes to barbecue. "I'm pork ribs, period," he tells radio's Laura Ingraham. Gates also says that he hasn't found any barbecue he likes in Washington, certainly nothing like that served in his old haunt, Rudy's, near Texas A&M University, which he ran before replacing Donald Rumsfeld. And don't give him sauce choices. At Rudy's he goes "with the regular sauce, not the 'Sissy Sauce.'"
Even Ambassadors Get Ticketed
There were Cherry Blossom princesses and tables full of sushi and tempura. But when the ambassador of Japan hosted a reception celebrating Washington's Cherry Blossom Festival, he had something else on his mind: dollars and yen. "Let's talk about money," opened Ambassador Ryozo Kato with a joke. The festival, a tradition since Tokyo's mayor donated the original cherry trees to Washington in 1912, is big business locally, he said to laughter. "You can hear the cash registers ringing." And not just for trinkets but often for parking tickets, because there are few legal spots near the trees. Kato says he should know. "Let me assure you, I have written a few checks to the D.C. treasurer."
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