GRAPEVINE

By DAVID ELLIS

White House officials say the surprise departure last week of Ed Rogers, John Sununu's top political aide, is in part an attempt by the chief of staff to paper over his own mistakes. Rogers had built a reputation as Sununu's enforcer, and was expected to be his boss's eyes and ears in the 1992 re- election campaign. But the chief of staff alienated so many Bush supporters over the past five months that damage control became necessary. Exit Rogers. Already, Sununu is having trouble finding a replacement. Said one official: "Sununu has managed to poison relationships with a lot of people, mainly through Ed. So guess who goes? Ed."

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart