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Elizabeth Dole outlines conservative themes in New Hampshire speech
February 10, 1999 MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (AllPolitics, February 9) -- Aides promised Elizabeth Dole would make a major policy speech Monday in New Hampshire, but Dole delivered a low-risk criticism of the current political culture and a broad-brush prescription for change straight from the Ronald Reagan-Bob Dole playbook. Still undeclared as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, Dole appeared before the Manchester, New Hampshire, Chamber of Commerce during her first venture to the state since resigning from the Red Cross. She told the crowd, "If I run, this will be an important reason why: because the United States of America deserves a government worthy of her people." Dole, the wife of the 1996 Republican presidential nominee, has excellent name recognition in New Hampshire, home of the nation's first presidential primary, but few people seem to know just what she stands for. "Millions are repelled by a political process that seems as unreal as it is calculated for effect," she said. "Americans of both parties, and of no party, are united in their disdain for showbiz gestures and poll-driven checklists masquerading as sound policy." She broadly outlined conservative themes, attacking big government and pushing for tax reform and better schools.
"If our federal government doesn't trust states and cities to spend their own dollars or make their own decisions, then why should it expect trust in return?" Dole asked. Dole called for civility in politics and a more compassionate government. "Reagan conservatism wore a smile, and it was contagious," she said. One potential GOP rival, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, calls his politics "compassionate conservatism." But Dole was critical of labeling politics liberal or conservative, saying, "America needs leaders, not labels." During her 45-minute speech, she received polite applause at least 16 times and reviews were favorable. Her comments on values and education won the most praise from the audience. "She got a better reception than (her husband) Bob Dole ever did," said Chris Stawasz, one person who attended. "I think she is not necessarily a good speaker, but I like what she said," said Ghee Fry, an independent voter from Amherst, New Hampshire. "She kept saying she was a conservative but sounded like a Democrat, a liberal," Fry said. Dole offered no opinions on more explosive issues such as her positions on abortion or affirmative action. A Washington veteran, she no doubt knows tougher scrutiny will come. Dole will travel to Texas this week and then on to Iowa, where the first Republican caucuses will be held next February. An adviser suggested an announcement of a presidential exploratory committee could come during the Iowa visit. Sources told CNN that should Dole decide to launch a presidential exploratory effort, two leading GOP strategists are poised to come aboard. One is Linda DiVall, who was Sen. Phil Gramm's pollster during his 1996 presidential campaign. She will join the Dole team as primary pollster. The other is Kieran Mahoney, a former campaign consultant to New York Gov. George Pataki and strategist for Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign. He will join Dole's wife's team as a senior strategist. Mahoney is a protege of GOP consultant Arthur Finkelstein, who is known for his tough "anti-liberal" advertising efforts for many Republican candidates. It has been only three weeks since Dole ended her eight-year tenure as president of the Red Cross. She is a woman with wide experience, but has never been elected to any office. The 62-year-old has served as labor and transportation secretary under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush after starting in politics in the Democratic administration of President Lyndon Johnson. Dole gained extensive campaign experience working on her husband's presidential races. She fought for and secured full campaign staffs and was herself a tireless campaigner. January polls suggested she and Bush, the son of former President George Bush, would be front-runners for the Republican nomination. Both hold a polling edge over Vice President Al Gore, the leading Democratic candidate. But Dole will need to raise at $20 million to win the nomination. It is a task many say she is up to, though Bush and former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander would most likely be competing with her for many of the same donors. CNN's Bill Delaney and The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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MORE STORIES:Tuesday, February 9, 1999
• Senators condemn closed-door impeachment deliberations • Roll call votes on closed-door deliberations • Lott seeks any White House tapes on Clinton-Lewinsky affair • Transcript: Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton -- Day 17 • Elizabeth Dole outlines conservative themes in New Hampshire speech • Clinton's 2000 budget pours millions into civic technology • Voter turnout lowest since 1942 • Presidential hopefuls need lots of cash • Rev. Jackson sharply criticizes New York Gov. Pataki • House Republicans work on legislative agenda • Rep. Talent will seek Missouri governorship • ABA ends 20-year support for independent counsel law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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