Dole Tells Foster He'll Allow Nomination Vote

WASHINGTON — Dr. Henry W. Foster Jr. won assurances from Bob Dole on Monday that his nomination as surgeon general will be brought before the full Senate. But the embattled nominee still faces a likely filibuster.

Dole, the Senate majority leader and a contender for the GOP presidential nomination, said he and Foster had a "very frank discussion" for 30 to 40 minutes.

Though he still opposes the nomination, "I told Dr. Foster we would try to work out some procedure on the Senate floor," Dole told the Senate.

Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Tex.) and other conservatives have promised to filibuster the Foster nomination.