Miller could know next week on ambassador nomination

Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 | 10:56 a.m.

Clinton plans to attend Democratic fund raising events in Las Vegas on Nov. 14. The visit is scheduled after a White House meeting with Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo.

Miller, who has said he's interested in the post, is expected to meet Clinton at the airport. But Miller on Wednesday said he has had no job offer from the White House.

"Nothing has changed as far as I know," Miller said of previous reports the he was at least being considered for the job. "There is speculation that Clinton may decide prior to Zedillo's arrival."

Miller by law must retire as governor after the 1998 election, but an early departure would put Republican Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren in the governor's mansion at least until January 1999.

White House spokesman Eric Rubin confirmed that Clinton will attend fund-raising events in Las Vegas as part of a weekend swing through California.

But as far as a Miller ambassadorship is concerned, Rubin said it's "nothing except idle speculation," the Reno Gazette-Journal reported on Thursday.

"We're not in the position to confirm any of it at this stage or to comment on it," Rubin said.