1.   Such an inquiry could have produced serious questions and a thorough analysis regarding the precepts of Centralism that underlay the entire scheme.

2.   A Justice Department spokesman would not confirm or deny such an inquiry.

3.   But he said such an inquiry would not begin until next week, after final services for Wheeler in California.

4.   But the present chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., has said such an inquiry is premature.

5.   Gingrich is also wrong when he says that a House select committee is the best place for such an inquiry.

6.   International human rights groups have also advocated such an inquiry.

7.   It is the fourth such criminal inquiry involving high-ranking officials of the Clinton administration.

8.   Justice Department procedures require such an inquiry.

9.   Shortly after Democrats regained control of the Senate, the Judiciary Committee wrote to the Justice Department seeking such an inquiry.

10.   Such an inquiry might have exonerated the vice president, just as Robert Ray has closed the Travel Office inquiry with no charges against Hillary Rodham Clinton.