By Globe Staff and Wires, 2/17/2000

WASHINGTON - A New York congressman who endorsed George W. Bush said today he is reconsidering his support for the Texas governor and may throw his support behind John McCain. Representative Peter King, a Nassau County Republican who is Roman Catholic, said Bush has been ''almost blind to Catholic sensibilities.'' He pointed to Bush's recent appearance at the conservative Bob Jones University in South Carolina, which has come under fire for opposing interracial dating and for espousing anti-Catholic views. (AP)

GOP leads in donations from investment firms

Brokers and investment companies, anticipating legislation on issues such as financial privacy and pension reform, have made more than $14 million in political donations for the 2000 elections. More of the money goes to Republicans, who have collected $8.6 million in such donations so far, while Democrats have received $5.7 million. The financial industry as a whole - including banks, insurers, real estate agents, accountants, credit unions, and mutual fund companies - has donated $71.23 million for this year's elections, the Center for Responsive Politics said. (Reuters)

TODAY'S CALENDAR

Bush and McCain are in South Carolina.

Bradley starts a bus tour in New England.

Al Gore attends an AFL-CIO conference in New Orleans and an education event in Jackson, Miss.