Dole Borrows To Continue The Fight Against Clinton

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 26) -- Sen. Robert Dole's campaign committee has been forced to borrow $3.8 million to cover a temporary shortfall in federal matching funds.

In a report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Dole committee said it borrowed the money because it received only $1.7 million of $4 million in federal matching funds due the campaign. The campaign already has repaid $1.7 million of the loans.

Under federal law, candidates who accept the matching funds may spend no more than $37 million during the primaries. Dole's campaign already has spent $35 million, so he only can spend about $2 million between now and the August GOP convention in San Diego.

In another development this week, Dole has joined other lawmakers in protesting a controversial Phoenix art exhibit focusing on the American flag. One piece of art includes a flag draped in a toilet.

In a statement, Dole said freedom of speech does not excuse "such a disgusting display of contempt for the people and the ideas of this nation."

Who's The Father Figure Here?

A new Washington Post poll suggests that Dole's recent attempts to portray himself as a reliable father figure and cast doubts about President Bill Clinton's trustworthiness may not work.

The survey asked 1,011 adults who they would trust their children with -- Dole or Clinton. Fifty-two percent said Clinton, 27 pecent picked Dole and 21 percent were either undecided or said neither man.

The Post did its survey after Dole himself raised the issue on the campaign trail, saying he guessed that if parents had to leave their children with Clinton or himself, they probably would pick him.

"Not since Gary Hart encouraged reporters to follow him around has a presidential candidate thrown out such an inviting idea," the Post said.

Dole Borrows To Continue The Fight Against Clinton

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