Gov. Whitman Tells Dole She's Not Interested

NEW YORK (AllPolitics, March 28) -- Another often-mentioned hypothetical running mate for Sen. Robert Dole has taken herself out of the running. (256K AIFF or WAV sound)

Popular New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman says she phoned the presumptive GOP nominee to quell the fever-pitch speculation. "I told him that I appreciated all this discussion that was going on but I indicated that I still want to stay in the state of New Jersey," Whitman said on WPIX-TV, while attending the Governors' education summit in Palisades, N.Y.

Dole appreciated her decision and "applauded the governor's great work for New Jersey taxpayers," spokesman Nelson Warfield told the Associated Press.

"It doesn't surprise me," Republican consultant Ann Stone told AP. "We knew that she would not do it when you have a party and a candidate that is pandering so far to the right."

Whitman endorsed Dole and campaigned for him, despite her long-standing friendship and working relationship with former GOP candidate, publisher Malcolm S. "Steve" Forbes, Jr. But while a rising figure within the Republican Party, Whitman's pro-choice views would likely have been subject to wilting attacks by conservative pundit Pat Buchanan, who has made opposition to abortion a centerpiece of his campaign.

Another popular speculative choice for Dole who has sidelined himself, of course, is retired Gen. Colin Powell, whose moderate views have been targeted by Buchanan. "It just isn't for me at this time," Powell told about 5,000 attendees of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association convention in Dallas. "Probably over 40 percent of the American people are very happy I've made this decision," Powell joked.

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