Helms’ Tactic ‘Not American,’ Weld Says

Former Massachusetts Gov. William F. Weld said the refusal of Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) to hold hearings on his nomination to be ambassador to Mexico is “just not the American way.” Weld, in an interview on ABC-TV’s “This Week,” contended that he is making headway in his battle with Helms. Helms, the conservative head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has denied Weld a hearing, insisting his support for needle-exchange programs and medical use of marijuana shows he is “soft” on drugs. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) said Weld’s nomination is effectively dead.