• Gingrich, Dornan End Public Spat
• Both Parties Denounce Racial Politics
• San Diego Passes Security Check
• Dole Misses Veterans' Convention

Gingrich, Dornan End Public Spat

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 30) -- House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and Rep. Robert Dornan (R-Calif.) have ended their politicians' quarrel, but neither will comment on the truce. A spokesman for the House majority whip said there would be no further sanctions against Dornan, who had threatened to resign a few days ago. Dornan lost his place at the defense bill negotiations table after he supported an anti-abortion candidate in a GOP primary against pro-choice Rep. Sue Kelly (R-N.Y.). After hearing that the GOP leadership was letting up, Dornan canceled today's news conference and refused to discuss the spat. When asked about the squabble, Gingrich told The Orange County Register, "No comment, ever."

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Both Parties Denounce Racial Politics

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 30) -- Taking advice from the nation's black mayors, the leaders of both major political parties agreed not to play the race card during their campaigns this fall. GOP party chairman Haley Barbour and Democrat party chairman Don Fowler signed a pledge condemning political tactics that use "illogical fear, mistrust and prejudice of people" to make race a campaign issue. Both party chairmen said a similar statement would be placed in their parties' platforms in August. "We think American voters are tired of negative campaigning, period," said Mayor Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, Mo. "When you add race to it, it becomes even more obscene."

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San Diego Passes Security Check

SAN DIEGO (AllPolitics, July 30) -- After re-evaluating planned security measures for the Republican National Convention, organizers have decided no modifications are necessary. Organizers held an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss security after Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park was bombed Saturday. Barbed wire fencing went up around the San Diego Convention Center Monday, and soon security barriers will be set up and nearby roads closed off. Security coordinator Carl Truscott said the convention should be safe even though officials can't search everyone walking down the street. "In an open and free society, no one wants a lockdown of the city, nor do we plan on it," he said.

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Dole Misses Veterans' Convention

NEW ORLEANS (AllPolitics, July 30) -- Likely GOP nominee Robert Dole has missed the boat twice on opportunities to speak to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), even though he's a member. Dole turned down a speaking invitation from the group several weeks ago, citing campaign conflicts. Dole approached the DAV Monday asking for a spot, but again turned down the Tuesday slot he was offered because of scheduling problems. The veterans' group denied his request for another speaking opportunity. President Bill Clinton received a warm reception when he spoke to the group Sunday. Dole's aides said he was frustrated that he did not get a chance to address "his peers," but a DAV press release charged that Dole only requested a speaking spot "after receiving public criticism" for not accepting the first invitation.