Dole Legislates, Buchanan Runs

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 20) -- One day after capturing the GOP nomination, Sen. Robert Dole plunged back into his duties as Senate Majority Leader today, including a morning meeting with President Bill Clinton on a possible budget compromise. (224K AIFF or WAV sound)

"We're going to be hard at work convincing the American people we have the right agenda for the next generation and the next century," Dole told the Associated Press (182K AIFF or WAV sound).

Three thousand miles away, Dole's never-say-die rival, Pat Buchanan, toured the Mexican border in California, still looking for a miracle finish to the 1996 primary season. His goal? Shape the Republican platform and influence the vice-presidential choice (215K AIFF or WAV sound).

Buchanan plans to push hard before California's March 26 primary on the question of illegal immigration -- a volatile issue in a state where voters tried to deny social services to illegals with a ballot measure that was later ruled unconstitutional.

"If we can send troops to defend the borders of Bosnia and South Korea, why can't we send troops to defend the southern borders with Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and right here in California?" Buchanan told a rally in Southern California.

With a strong showing in his home region on Tuesday, Dole (R-Kan.) secured enough delegates -- 1,000, by CNN's count -- to push him over the magic 996 needed. Ever cautious, the Kansas senator still looks to California's winner-take-all primary to put him well over the top.

"Nothing's going to stop us now," Dole said in an election-night celebration. "I think it's safe to say now that I will be the nominee."

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