NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Ailing Atwater Picks Spokesman for GOP

Republican National Chairman Lee Atwater named veteran GOP political consultant Charles Black to serve as his “designated spokesman” while Atwater continues his struggle against a brain tumor. It was the first official recognition by party officials of a problem that many Republicans have discussed privately--that the GOP has been handicapped by Atwater’s prolonged absence. The announcement was made as President Bush is being buffeted by the breaking of his pledge not to raise taxes and the escalating cost of the S&L; scandal.