Dole Ready To Focus On White House Bid

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, May 15) -- CNN has learned that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Robert Dole (R-Kan.) will announce his resignation from the Senate today to campaign full time against President Bill Clinton.

A Republican source said Dole could still change his mind, but has decided it is the best course to boost his struggling campaign.

Late Tuesday, Republican sources revealed Dole planned a news conference for today, but it was unclear just what the Kansan would announce. Most believed Dole would relinquish much of his day-to-day duties as majority leader to deputies, while still holding onto his title.

But Dole clearly has accepted the message, repeated with increasing urgency from advisers and GOP officials that he can't wage an effective campaign from the Senate. In recent weeks, Dole has been stymied by Democratic maneuvering over the minimum wage and repeal of the 4.3-cent gas tax.

Mired in the Senate, Dole has suffered from a lack of message. Tuesday, Dole met with nearly 20 Republican governors, some of whom expressed frustration privately. "There is some unease because of a lack of message," said one governor who did not wish to be identified. "So far, we're leaving the arena to Bill Clinton. We're not in the ballgame yet. We're still buying tickets."

It's likely been a painful decision. By all accounts, Dole loves the job of majority leader and is a master of the Capitol Hill legislative system. The Kansan probably thought he could effectively campaign from the Senate floor, benefiting from free TV exposure as his campaign withered under federal spending limits.

That strategy clearly wasn't working. Faced with a double-digit deficit in the polls against Clinton, and mounting pressure from with the GOP to spend more time outside Washington campaigning and framing the debate against Clinton, Dole seemingly has agreed to shift gears.

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