Bush, Powell Ok; Plane Makes Emergency Landing

Former President George Bush and retired Gen. Colin Powell made an emergency landing at Bangor International Airport when the plane they were traveling in developed engine trouble, an airport official said Thursday.

Powell, Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush were traveling from Portland to Europe on Wednesday when an indicator light in the plane’s cockpit showed a problem with the left engine, an airport spokesman said.

Bush, his wife and Powell were heading to Europe for a vacation, said Bush spokeswoman Mary Sage. She declined to say exactly where they were headed.

Sage also declined to say why Powell and Bush were traveling together, calling it “just a private trip.”

CBS Evening News, citing a source it did not identify, said Bush hoped to convince Powell during the trip that he should seek the Republican vice-presidential nomination as Bob Dole’s running mate.

Bush hoped to change Powell’s mind by pointing out that 14 vice presidents have gone on to become president, CBS said.

A Powell spokesman would only say the European vacation was planned for some time.