Let's Change the Subject

Several scandal-tinged Senators have rushed to associate themselves with a variety of no-lose issues, many related to the gulf war.

IMAGE PROBLEM

Alan Cranston, California Democrat. Received $900,000 in donations from indicted S&L buccaneer Charles Keating.

DIVERSIONARY TACTIC

Battling cancer and planning to retire, he declared that he has supported every major veterans' bill for the past 12 years.

IMAGE PROBLEM

Alfonse D'Amato, New York Republican. Played a questionable role in the awarding of federal housing subsidies to friends and contributors.

DIVERSIONARY TACTIC

Rushed to Israel to condemn Scud attacks and turned up last week in the Soviet Union to lambaste...