Dole Vows To Fight For California

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AllPolitics, Oct. 17) -- Republican nominee Bob Dole stumped in Southern California, vowing he will "spare no effort" in his bid to win the Golden State and its 54 electoral votes. (128K WAV sound)

In his speech in Riverside, Dole focused on the California hot button issues of affirmative action, immigration and border control. The former senator also continued to raise ethical questions about President Bill Clinton and his administration, and accused the president of "a pattern of California neglect."

On affirmative action, Dole repeated his opposition to minority quotas and preferences. "I strongly support the California Civil Rights Initiative," Dole said. "And the overwhelming majority of Americans and Californians believe as I do: that we should promote equal opportunity for all without regard for race or gender or ethnicity. This is America."

Stressing the importance of a "strong and secure border in California," Dole said that it is unfair for Californians to have to bear the cost of educating, jailing and housing illegal immigrants. Dole asked, "If Bill Clinton has been such a good friend of California, why has he opposed increases in the border patrol?" (288K WAV sound)

"Why did Mr. Clinton not only oppose Proposition 187 but deride and scold California for merely trying to control those costs? In fact, why did the president water down the illegal immigration reform bill passed by Congress to add to all the above costs you already have?" Dole asked.

"Right alongside the administration's sorry record on illegal immigration is its dismal record on illegal drugs," Dole said, launching into an attack on the current administration's role in increased drug usage, blaming their lax interdiction policies.

"In San Diego, Mr. Clinton's U.S. Attorney has sent hundreds of drug smugglers back to Mexico without even charging them," Dole said. "They go back and have a chance to go back again to poison our children. Does anyone doubt that they will soon be coming back across the borders with more drugs? Certainly not."

Dole's speech made it clear that he was not giving up his tough talk about the Clinton administration. "He thinks this great record deserves a vote of confidence from the people of California. Now perhaps Americans have never seen a politician who brags about promises he's never kept, votes he's hasn't earned or goals he's never accomplished and virtues he's never displayed. It is a charming act, but it's wearing thin with the American voters," Dole said. (288K WAV sound)

The Republican also touched on the latest campaign finance flap concerning questionable contributions made by Buddhist monks to the Democratic National Committee. "You know the Clinton-Gore team has given the California gold rush new meaning. They're now holding fund-raisers in Buddhist temples where you have to take a vow of poverty before you can get in. Then they raised about 50 grand there."(256K_ WAV sound)

Recent poll figures showed that the gap between Dole and Clinton has narrowed. Dole aides have indicated that they were willing to wage an all-out battle for California's 54 electoral votes. But political experts have characterized such a move as a big gamble because such an offensive would mean diverting money from other battleground states.

Dole Vows To Fight For California

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