BY PAUL BARTON
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Tristate members of Congress expressed disappointment Tuesday in President Clinton's behavior with Monica Lewinsky, but will await the independent prosecutor's report before deciding on calls for impeachment.
Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, issued the strongest criticism. "While I am pleased that he (Mr. Clinton) has broken his silence, I am not satisfied that he has told the whole truth or accepted responsibility for a problem of his own making," Mr. Portman said in a statement. "Apart from any legal issues President Clinton may be facing, what he has done is immoral and wrong."
Similarly, Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Nashville, Ind., said: "I am clearly disappointed and disapprove of that conduct. He misled not only his family, but he misled the American people."
Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Lucasville, said that at a minimum the president is guilty of "a lack of personal discipline."
He added that Mr. Clinton "has diminished his ability to at least take advantage of the potential of the office that we elected him to -- and for reasons that are difficult to understand."
"Only time will tell what damage this regrettable episode ultimately will deal this president and, indeed, the presidency itself," said Rep. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate.
"The president should have done more to put this behind us sooner," said Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati. "This is taking a terrible toll on the country."
Boone County Democrat Ken Lucas, a candidate in Northern Kentucky's 4th District congressional race, said Mr. Clinton's actions should not be viewed with a partisan eye.
But he does expect that "issues of morality, integrity, personal responsibility and credibility will be issues in the upcoming elections this fall."
"Character and morality are not partisan issues," he said. "And that's fine with me. I'm willing to stand that test, and every other candidate should take personal responsibility for his or her actions."
Independent prosecutor Kenneth Starr is to make a report to Congress soon on the president's actions -- and possible evidence of impeachment or subornation of perjury.
Any impeachment proceeding would start in the House Judiciary Committee.
Terry Holt, a spokesman for Rep. John Boehner, said Mr. Clinton went through and "embarrassing and humiliating evening" and that the House is facing the possible task ahead of it with the utmost seriousness.
"Boehner's view has always been that we take the job seriously and we will have a full and thorough review of the facts in this case," the spokesman said.
Mr. Boehner, R-West Chester, is a member of the House leadership as chairman of the House Republican Conference.
Mr. Chabot, meanwhile, is on the Judiciary Committee.
"I take my responsibilities as a member of the Judiciary Committee very seriously and don't think it appropriate to answer hypothetical questions," he said.
Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, was unavailable for comment.
Mr. Portman said, "Until the full contents of the independent counsel's findings are made available, it would be premature to speculate on what actions or sanctions Congress might take." One of the few standing by the president Tuesday was Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio.
"Polling has indicated that two-thirds of the American people now just want to get this whole thing behind us get on with the very important domestic and international matters that directly affect every family in this country," Mr. Glenn said. "I agree."
Reporter Patrick Crowley contributed.
