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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release August 2, 1999

            VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES RON KLAIN TO DEPART,
                NAMES CHARLES BURSON AS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

Washington, DC -- With deep regret and fond affection, Vice President Gore announced today at a staff meeting the departure of his Chief of Staff, Ron Klain.

After serving for nearly 4 years as one of the Vice President's primary and closest advisors, Klain will depart the Office of the Vice President to become a partner in the Washington, DC office of O'Melveny & Myers, a law firm based in Los Angeles, California.

"I wish Ron every success," Vice President Gore said. "I have always valued and will continue to value Ron's intelligence, loyalty, and acumen. He has a wonderful opportunity before him and his family deserves it. I have never known any person with a sharper mind and stronger strategic skills."

"That is one of the reasons I'm not letting him go completely," Vice President Gore added. "Ron has agreed to serve as an uncompensated Senior Strategist in my campaign. In that capacity, Ron will participate in regular campaign strategy meetings and take on special assignments from my campaign General Chair, Tony Coelho."

The Vice President also announced today that his current Counsel, Charles Burson, will become his new Chief of Staff.

"I have known Charles and his family for more than 30 years. My parents were friends with his parents," Vice President Gore said. "He is a longtime friend and advisor. I felt honored when he came from Tennessee, leaving his job as the Tennessee Attorney General, to join my staff to serve as my Counsel two years ago. I feel equally honored now that he will serve in his new capacity as my Chief of Staff. Charles is a man of great integrity and intelligence."

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