News In Brief

Meese asks that special prosecutor probe charges

Attorney General-nominee Edwin Meese has asked the Justice Department to name an independent, special prosecutor under the Ethics in Government Act to review the controversial issues that have stalled his confirmation, Sen. Joseph Biden (D) of Delaware said Thursday.

Senator Biden said Mr. Meese has asked that the special prosecutor look into all matters of controversy - failure to make full disclosure of financial matters, as required, his possible involvement on the transfer of Carter campaign documents to the 1980 Reagan campaign, the circumstances surrounding Meese's promotion to colonel in the Army Reserve, and suggestions Meese used his influence to secure federal jobs for people who gave him financial assistance.