Jenrette plans appeal in abscam conviction

Rep. John W. Jenrette Jr. (D) of South Carolina, convicted of conspiracy and bribery charges arising from the FBI's Abscam operation, says he will appeal the conviction and will not drop out of the race for another term in office. Mr. Jenrette is the second congressman convicted in the operation. Rep. michael O. Myers (D) of Pennsylvania was found guilty in August, and last week was expelled from the House of Representatives.

Reps. Frank Thompson Jr. (D) of New Jersey, John M. Murphy (D) of New York, Raymond F. Lederer (D) of Pennsylvania, and Richard Kelly (R) of Florida were also videotaped by undercover agents and face trials on Abscam charges. The Justice Department is expected to decide before the November election whether to indict Sen. Harrison Williams (D) of New Jersey on charges arising from the investigation.