terms in his current post and is set to throw his hat into the ring for a seat in the US Senate in 1998.

The 41-year-old has been honoured for his work in promoting the interests of ethnic minorities and women.

And he is a favourite for a Cabinet post if President Clinton triumphs in the November Presidential election and is also tipped as running mate for US Democratic Senator Al Gore, front-runner to succeed Clinton as Democratic Presidential candidate in four year's time.

But the Governor -- son of former Indiana Senator Birch Bayh -- was staying tight-lipped over his future plans.

He said of Cabinet status: "If the President chooses to ask, it's obviously something I would consider -- it's very hard to refuse the President.'' And he added on a Vice Presidential bid: "It's too early to speculate about that -- we have an election to win in November.'' And he insisted President Clinton was set to beat Republican candidate Bob Dole to serve a second term in office, although he admitted the Republicans were likely to keep power in Congress.

ON COURSE -- US Consul General Robert Farmer and Indiana Governor Evan Bayh POLITICS PTL GOVERNOR GOV