Dole Walks The Longest Walk In San Quentin

From CNN Correspondents Candy Crowley and Carl Rochelle

SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN, Mar. 23) -- Sen. Bob Dole was in the slammer Saturday, talking tough about crime in an effort to capture California voters. But while the likely GOP presidential candidate toured San Quentin's gas chamber to underscore his support of the death penalty, he had to handle some curve balls about the ban on assault weapons.

San Quentin Prison houses 421 death row inmates and California's only gas chamber. It provided a somber but perfect campaign backdrop to call for an end to endless appeals on death row.

"If there is one thing the American people understand ... crime has gotten out of hand. We're not punishing criminals, we punish the victims. We punish their families who agonize year after year after year waiting for justice," Dole said.

On the kind of collision course Dole can expect to find himself on over the coming months, his campaign itinerary ran smack into the legislative agenda.

When they first scheduled this trip to San Quentin, the intent was to have Dole talk about getting tough on crime, but by the time he got there, the questions were about congressional attempts to lift the ban on assault weapons.

The assault weapons ban was a California-bred law, pushed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Protesters continued to press her case outside the gates of San Quentin, while Dole was pushed by reporters inside about whether a Dole White House would lift the ban.

"I've got a better plan, it's called the instant check. You don't get the gun if you're a convicted felon, dishonorably discharged; there are about eight different categories. You don't get any gun," Dole said.

Dole's California tour is more or less a warm up for the general campaign this fall. The certain nominee, he is determined to ignore GOP rival Pat Buchanan, who will need a miracle from the Golden State.

Clinton eyes Ohio prize

President Clinton Saturday chose Ohio, a state crucial for re-election, to highlight his latest campaign theme of corporate responsibility.

In this changing economy, he said, corporations have responsibilities beyond making money. "They should whenever possible do well in a way that strengthens families, let the middle class grow, and build a loyal work force," the president said, speaking to business leaders in Cincinnati.

Mr. Clinton offered examples of corporations which he said are doing the right thing. He praised Starbuck's Coffee for providing health care for part-time employees.

He also praised Giant supermarkets for being one of several grocery chains to remove cigarette machines from its stores.

The president is inviting corporate leaders to the White House, much as he did with entertainment industry leaders earlier this month when he wanted to discuss what to do about sex and violence on television.

The theme of corporate responsibility was introduced by Buchanan, but he is no longer considered a factor in the Republican race. And now that Dole has apparently clinched the nomination, Ohio has become a bipartisan battleground.

"There hasn't been a person to go to the White House, the governor reminded me last night, who hasn't carried Ohio since 1856. So Ohio is very important," Dole said March 15.

He has the backing of Ohio's governor, George Voinovich, who said, "We've had a talk show president for the last several years, and I think that Americans are tired of it."

Current polls show the president with a small lead in the state, but Dole can count on help from the popular governor, who has been mentioned as a possible GOP vice presidential choice.

Mr. Clinton took his quest for votes to Columbus later in the day Saturday, pushing his theme of corporate responsibility in another predominately Republican area.

He has visited the state 12 times, more than any other except California. And with 21 electoral votes at stake there, Ohioans can expect to see a lot more of him as well as Dole.

Dole Walks The Longest Walk In San Quentin

Clinton eyes Ohio prize

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