News In Brief

Choice of new party chief eludes Democratic leaders

Seven of the nation's 34 Democratic governors and 40 state party leaders from about 30 states meeting here Sunday failed to agree on their own candidate for national party chairman, but called for the creation of a national policy council to strengthen Democrats' performances in presidential elections.

Six people have announced they want to succeed Charles T. Manatt as party chairman. The post will be filled Feb. 1, by a vote of the Democratic National Committee.