Dole Lunches With His Ex-GOP Rivals

WASHINGTON (July 15) -- Bob Dole hasn't lost seven primary opponents. He's gained seven advisors.

The likely Republican nominee met today with most of the men he defeated in this spring's primaries for a closed-door "unity luncheon" to talk strategy.

"Unity was the one word we talked about and our advice was for Senator Dole to tell the country where he wants to go, to be himself," said former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander.

But one former candidate, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), said the problem is too many voices.

"I think he's getting too much advice," Specter said. "That's why my advice to Bob Dole was not to take anybody's advice, including mine." (96K WAV sound)

One Dole rival was absent. Although increasingly conciliatory, Pat Buchanan declined the invitation, noting he still has a campaign to run. Although Dole locked up the nomination almost four months ago, the conservative commentator has never officially called it quits.

For showing up, the others former candidates got swordfish, artichokes, arugula with tomato compote -- and a message.

"I think each of us understands that we have a job to do, that we've got to deliver our message, that we've got to tell people who Bob Dole is and what he stands for," said Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas.) (96K WAV sound)

Dole didn't talk to reporters before or after the lunch, but other participants revealed a new Dole campaign slogan: "A better man for a better America."

Publisher Steve Forbes said a clear message is what Dole needs. "The motto of 'A better man for a better America' is going to resonate when he has this substantive agenda," Forbes said. "Right now, he does not have that agenda out there. When he does, you will have a real race."

Others who attended the lunch included Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.), Illinois businessman Morry Taylor, conservative talk show host Alan Keyes and Rep. Bob Dornan (R-Calif.)

Dole begins a three-day Midwest campaign swing on Wednesday, accompanied by Alexander and another top Republican, former drug czar Bill Bennett.

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Dole Lunches With His Ex-GOP Rivals

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