Dole Taps Molinari As Convention Keynoter

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 16) -- Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.), tapped by Robert Dole as the keynote speaker for next month's Republican National Convention, doesn't think her support for abortion rights will trigger big protests at the GOP gathering.

Molinari told NBC-TV this morning she thinks Republicans are ready to turn away from the sometimes rancorous debate over abortion, in the interests of winning the November election.

"By the time we get to San Diego, I have no doubt a lot of our discussions on the issues of abortion and other issues are going to be put aside," Molinari said.

"There may be some protestors; there are at any convention," Molinari added. "It would be my intention right now use the precious time I have to tell the nation what I think they already know, and that is that Bob Dole has the character, the integrity, the compassion to be the next president."

By picking a woman to give the important keynote speech, Dole reached out to a voting bloc that views him with deep skepticism. According to public opinion surveys, President Bill Clinton enjoys far more support among women voters than does Dole.

Dole announced his choice of Molinari during an appearance Monday night on CNN's "Larry King Live." (416K WAV sound) It surprised even Molinari, who was eating at a restaurant in Buffalo. A friend called her, and Molinari telephoned the show to say she'd accept.

Molinari, 38, was the youngest member of Congress when elected in 1990, after five years on the New York City Council. Her energy and vigor have made a well-known voice within the GOP and has carried legislation on railroad safety, domestic violence and public housing. She broke with many Republicans to support the ban on assault weapons.

Despite Molinari's moderate views and support for abortion rights, she has campaigned for candidates who are not pro-choice, and has often said Republicans should not allow the abortion issue to drive them apart.

In a statement, Republican anti-abortion crusader Pat Buchanan warmly congratulated Molinari for her selection. "While we disagree, deeply, over the issues of life and social policy, Susan is an articulate, passionate voice inside our great and diverse party -- against the high taxes, big government policies of the national Democrats," Buchanan said. "And we are in full accord and enthusiastic agreement with Rep. Molinari over the need to replace Bill Clinton."

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Dole Taps Molinari As Convention Keynoter

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