SENATE DENIES ALUM'S BID FOR CHAIRMANSHIP

The Senate Commerce Committee voted down party lines Thursday, denying Mary Sheila Gall's bid to become chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite the committee's decision, an effort was made to bring the nomination to a full vote in the Senate, but that, too, was blocked.

Gall, a graduate of Old Dominion University's master of science in special education program, was President George W. Bush's pick to head the three-member commission.

A commission member since 1991, Gall came under fire from Democrats for her views opposing tougher standards for the makers of bunk beds, baby bath seats and baby walkers and her support of relaxing standards for fire-resistant fabrics.