WHITE HOUSE ROOMS SHOULDN'T BE POLITICAL PRIZE

OK, so you're a little miffed you haven't been invited to spend a night in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House yet. Or maybe that irritability is because you don't think a night in the president's home should be an inducement for big political donations.

Let's face it: The White House has always been a favored overnight destination for thousands of Americans through every presidency since John Adams.

But the White House also has, for nearly two centuries, stood as a symbol of the civilian presidency that heads up one of the three branches of federal government. It has represented the stature and integrity of the office and not always the current occupant.

Perhaps that is why some Americans are highly offended by President Clinton's blatant use of the White House as a prize for hefty political donations. It smacks of partisan abuse of a national treasure.

And think about it. Room rates at the fanciest Washington hotel are a lot less expensive for anyone -- big donor or not -- who has to spend a night in Washington.