But the 51-year-old Ms. Willey will be a far more sympathetic figure, a political loyalist to the President who was reluctant to talk and has no political vendetta.

Presidents of both parties have long rewarded their political loyalists with plum appointments.

The governor of Kentucky pleaded not guilty yesterday to three misdemeanor charges of providing state jobs to political loyalists.

But Mr. Berisha yesterday ignored the warnings of foreign diplomats and proceeded with his own re-election by a parliament of political loyalists.

Long passed up several more experienced doctors to select Vidrine, a Long political loyalist who had been a practicing physician for just four years.

Mr. Aristide recently put that fairness in doubt by infiltrating some 1,500 political loyalists into the force.

(Recall how unqualified political loyalists were sent to run Iraq during the crucial first year.)

Other reports had him meeting a few weeks ago with political loyalists and business associates in the Brazilian border city of Foz do Iguacu.

Mr. Kantor's defenders point out that the Commerce Department and the trade representative's office have frequently been occupied by political loyalists.

The post, historically an honorary position given by Presidential appointment to reward friends and political loyalists, requires Congressional approval.