Pessimism In Republican Party Ranks Hurting Morale

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 29) -- Could the GOP's negative attitude hurt the party in November? According to many Republicans, including Republican National Committee Chairman Haley Barbour, the answer could be yes.

In an interview on CNN's "Late Edition," Barbour said that Democrats "in a snap election would have a chance" to win back both houses of Congress they lost in the 1994 election. He also acknowledged that Dole has a "50-50" chance to win the presidency (128K AIFF or WAV sound).

Republicans are still trouncing Democrats in one key area -- fund-raising. Thanks in large to House Speaker Newt Gingrich's tireless efforts, House GOP members have raised some $21.8 million during the first quarter of 1996, while Democrats pulled in $12.9 million. But the Republican gloom persists.

Commentator Pat Buchanan is adding to Republican fears since he could run as a third-party candidate, a move which would take votes away from Dole. His campaign manager and sister, Bay Buchanan, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that "Pat is not trying to do anything that would bring down Bob Dole," but there needs to be a "voice for the voiceless." Said Bay Buchanan: "If it has to be Pat, I think he'd be ready to step forward and do that."

Several prominent Republicans have voiced their concern over Dole's chances and how a loss would affect other Republicans running for office. House Speaker Newt Gingrich referred to a "funk" in the party. House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. John Kasich (R-Ohio) described Republicans as "frustrated" and concerned that "Dole should be doing a better job of articulating the message..."

Dole, who prefers to concentrate on legislative battles rather than political stump, was defended by fellow Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) who said that Dole is right in devoting his time to passing the GOP legislative agenda, since the campaign won't pick up until after the conventions in August.

Conservative columnist Robert Novak warned on CBS that the candidate leading on Labor Day is usually the one who wins the election. Ed Rollins, Republican strategist, also on CBS, said that "the Democrats are not killing us today, we are killing ourselves by a lack of enthusiasm."

Related Story:

• Do You Trust Bill Clinton? -- April 18, 1996

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