Reno to Decide on Clinton, Gore Probes

Atty. Gen. Janet Reno appears unlikely to seek an independent counsel for campaign-related questions involving President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, Justice Department officials said. A decision not to seek an independent counsel would be a major legal and political relief for Gore as a lengthy investigation could have posed significant problems in his bid to win the presidency in the 2000 election. It also would be a boost for Clinton. Reno faces fast-approaching deadlines to decide the Clinton and Gore cases and a third case covering former top White House aide Harold M. Ickes.