Inside Washington an Ally By Any Other Name . . .

President Clinton plans to visit Chicago on Feb. 28 to stump for powerful Congressman DAN ROSTENKOWSKI, who is facing a tough re-election fight. Although Rosty has been tainted by charges he feathered his own nest at taxpayer expense, and Clinton has himself been dogged by allegations of Whitewater improprieties, the President needs all the allies he can get for the coming health-care battle. Indeed, a campaign insider told Time that Rosty didn't ask for aid -- Clinton volunteered it. Hillary is also expected to do her part.