Robert Lipshutz, former Carter counsel, dies at 88

Robert Lipshutz, former Carter administration White House counsel, has died. He was 88.

Lipshutz died Saturday at an Atlanta hospice of complications from a blood clot, said his son, Randy.

Lipshutz served as White House counsel from 1977 until 1979. Randy Lipshutz said his father was proud of the administration for promoting Middle East peace, increasing the number of women appointed to judgeships and the inclusion of more blacks in high-level government positions.

Lipshutz, an Atlanta attorney, was introduced to Carter while the future president was a Georgia state lawmaker. After supporting Carter for Georgia governor, Lipshutz became treasurer of Carter's presidential campaign and gave the campaign space in a back office at his law firm.

--Associated Press