Does Bob Dole’s apparent face-lift (he doesn’t deny Washington Post report) signal Elizabeth Dole’s interest in running for President in 2000? Bob Dole says on Meet the Press that “I told her all I want is a car and a driver if she gets elected-and a beeper. In case somebody leaves me behind, I want to be able to phone in.” Mrs. Dole reportedly wows Sacramento Chamber of Commerce audience. . . . Possible Democratic hopeful Dick Gephardt outflanks White House on IRS, endorsing reform bill before President Clinton. A Gephardt aide says of White House: “Usually, they’re more nimble on this since they poll every day.” . . . New bumper sticker from GOPAC: “Support the IRS, vote Democrat.”
Ross Perot’s Reform Party threatens assault on GOP over its opposition to campaign-finance reform. Party leaders talk of running candidates against 40 to 50 vulnerable Republicans. Says former Reform Party vice-presidential candidate Pat Choate: “We can draw enough votes to shift control of the House. Then we’ll remind Democrats that if they break faith with us, we’ll turn them out again.” . . . In renewed push for campaign-finance legislation, Republican Reps. Chris Shays (Conn.), Marge Roukema (N.J.), Connie Morella (Md.), Tom Campbell (Calif.), Jim Leach (Iowa), and Nancy Johnson (Conn.) sign Democratic discharge petition to bring bill to House floor. . . . National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) responds with barrage of radio ads in districts of bill’s supporters-e.g., “If Congressman Chris Shays gets his way, this radio ad will soon be against the law.”
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