TIME TO CALL FOR BACKUP? Bush may have to rethink his economic brain trust

Wall Street and Washington are abuzz with talk of changes to come after the midterm elections. The rumor-mongers may be on to something, even if George W. Bush does not make his economic advisers walk the plank. Instead, some topsiders may jump ship in 2003 on their own. Most current speculation centers on outspoken Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill. If all else fails, the White House might promote Commerce's Donald L. Evans, a Bush pal and former independent oilman. Treasury is not the only slot the White House has to worry about. Chief economist Lawrence B. Lindsey has been musing about returning to his lucrative consulting business. Office of Management & Budget Director Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. is another Bush favorite and a rising star. But the tug of politics may lead the ex-Reagan political director to head home.