TOWER MAKES PLEDGE TO TRY TO SAVE NOMINATION

John Tower said Sunday that he will swear off alcohol if he is approved as defense secretary and would be ``obliged to resign'' if he broke the vow. Tower spoke on ABC-TV's ``This Week With David Brinkley'' and Cable News Network's ``Newsmaker Sunday.''

Senate minority leader Bob Dole called Tower's pledge ``very, very significant'' and urged senators to reassess the nomination.

Armed Services Committee chairman Sam Nunn had no comment on Tower's pledge, a panel staff member said.