NUNN WATCH

Republicans claim the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, already approved by the House, needs just one more supporter to clear the Senate in tomorrow's vote. So all eyes are on Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), one of five undecided Democrats. Nunn today indicated that he is leaning towards voting "yes." He said his main problem with the amendment is that it could force the courts to make required budget cuts if Congress isn't up to the task. He plans to propose a change in the bill to limit court authority over the budget. Speaker Newt Gingrich said House Republicans also are prepared to address Nunn's concern. The amendment would require the federal government to start balancing the annual budget by 2002. Because a two-thirds majority is required, the Republicans need 67 votes to pass it in the Senate. The amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states. All but one of the 53 Senate Republicans support the amendment. Sen. Mark Hatfield (R-Ore.) is opposed. Others who remain undecided are Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Wendell Ford (D-Ky.) and John Breaux (D-La.).