Quote of the Day

E. J. Dionne, op-ed columnist for The Washington Post, writing today about the political effects of the financial markets meltdown:

"All of a sudden, the culture war seems entirely beside the point, an unaffordable luxury in a time of economic turmoil." 

You can read Mr. Dionne's entire article here. It's well worth reading.

Lipstick On President Bush?

In this election year lipstick seems to be playing an inordinate role. You’ve heard McCain call Hillary’s healthcare plan a pig with lipstick. You’ve heard Obama call McCain’s economic plan a pig with lipstick. And you’ve undoubtedly heard Gov. Palin compare herself to a pitbull with lipstick. Never have cosmetics been used so often in political analogy.

But as I hear all the rhetoric about Palin and lipstick I can’t help but visualize another Palin, Michael Palin of Monty Python fame, performing as George W. Bush in drag. Why? Because the similarities between Gov. Palin and Pres. Bush are so striking that lipstick might be the most significant difference between the two.

Palin, like Bush in 2000, ran on a platform of changing the status quo. But Palin, as a reformer has been proven to be oxymoronic.

Just for fun, let’s compare the President and the “Pitbull.”

Nepotism – Like Bush, Gov. Palin has demonstrated an uncanny knack for placing the most unqualified of friends and loyalists in important government position. Just as Bush’s schoolmate ‘Brownie” was placed as Director of FEMA, Palin has given at least five former schoolmates jobs, many of them at inflated pay, since becoming governor of Alaska two years ago.

Secrecy – Again like Bush, Palin has refused to cooperate with government investigators and has conducted official government business using private email accounts so as to keep public records private. Palin apparently believes, as does Bush, that public oversight of government is a barrier to be overcome, not a stalwart of a free society.

Ignorance of World Events – Much as Bush was shown in 2000 to know little of the world outside the U.S., Palin has demonstrated her ignorance by her complete befuddlement concerning the “Bush Doctrine’, the most sweeping and controversial foreign policy shift of our time. And it is unlikely that being able to see Russia adds much to one’s pragmatic foreign policy credentials.

Militarism – Again like Bush, Palin’s seems far too inclined to use military might as an instrument of first response. To imply that war with Russia is justified over the Georgian invasion is foolhardy. Palin demonstrates the same failed, neocon tendency to rule the world through force which has so ostracized of the US and destabilized of the world under Bush.

Abuse of Power – Indications are that Mayor/Gov. Palin has flaunted democratic restraints on executive power again and again. From her alleged attempt to fire her State Trooper brother-in-law, to the illegal use of government offices for private campaign functions, Palin has shown the same executive arrogance for which Bush has become famous.

So it seems that animal analogies, cosmetically enhanced or otherwise, do not exactly fit the bill this election cycle. What we have here is much more unsightly.

Yes, my friends, while lipstick on a pig may be unappealing and lipstick on a pitbull somewhat bizarre, lipstick on President George W. Bush is not a pretty picture at all. God forbid we settle for just that.

Grill, Barry, Grill!

In a speech earlier today, Senator Barack ('Barry' to his high-school classmates) Obama rakes Republican John McCain over the coals for the meltdown in America's financial markets:

Tennessee's Bob Tuke Blasts Republicans on Financial Crisis

In his weekly message to Tennessee voters, Bob Tuke, Democratic candidate for the US Senate, lambasts Republican economic policy. Tuke is challenging incumbent Republican Lamar Alexander in the November election. Mr. Tuke writes: 

We all have been reading about something I never thought I would see - the failure or takeover of three of the largest and most venerable investment banks in America, together with the failure of several commercial banks and mortgage lenders across the United States. Add to those catastrophes the threats to the financial viability of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and the insurance giant AIG, and we face a financial industry crisis we have not witnessed since the Great Depression. 

Of course this crisis does not necessarily mean there will be a world-wide financial collapse, but such a collapse is possible unless there is substantially better financial governance in the next several weeks than we have had in the past several years. CEO's and Boards of Directors in the private sector need to rein in the aggressive and reckless risk-taking that has weakened our financial markets and the public confidence in them. Government regulators need to enforce the laws and regulations that already are on the books, and they need to write and enforce new regulations that will require more sensible lending and investment policies and that will hold accountable those who fail to obey the rules. Congress, especially the Senate, needs to do its job of oversight. 

I have been practicing law in the financial services industries for more than 30 years, and I have never seen such willful incompetence in both the private and government sectors. On the private side we have witnessed grossly exorbitant salaries and benefits claimed by executives (and awarded by ineffective Boards of Directors), greed in investments in subprime mortgage loans with losses that were entirely predictable, and failure to manage portfolios and people the way good business executives generally have in America for decades.

On the government side, the regulators of the financial services industries simply abdicated. Led by our historically incompetent President and Vice President, and influenced by lobbyists and massive campaign contributions, the Bush-Cheney-Alexander Republican approach of letting the financial markets govern themselves has resulted in this debacle. It did not have to happen. Proper regulation and Congressional oversight could have - and should have - curtailed subprime mortgage lending. The unsound housing investment bubble could have been prevented. Reckless investments by traditionally conservative institutions could have been stopped. 

This is another reason I am running for the U.S. Senate: To offer Tennesseans a Senator who understands the financial industries and who will not be influenced by massive campaign contributions and cozy relationships with lobbyists. Lamar Alexander has voted lockstep with the Bush administration's economic policies and has voted to strike down legislation to protect consumers and to eliminate adequate oversight of our nation's financial system, which has led to the disaster we face today. At the same time he has received approximately $3 million in contributions from executives and PACs of banks, realtors and securities companies for his ardent opposition to government oversight that would have protected borrowers and consumers.

I will look after the interests of the people of Tennessee and America instead of giving in to the interests of big money and their cronies. Together, let's Take the Hill.

Gordon Smith's Sleazy Campaign

The Wall Street Journal Blog yesterday gives us an update on the U.S. Senate race in Oregon.

It appears Republican Gordon Smith is getting very desperate in his attempt to win reelection. In a new ad, Smith distorts Jeff Merkley's voting record by claiming Merkley "voted to protect rapists."

Disgracefully stupid.

"This is the worst kind of Washington politics from a desperate politician, who will do whatever it takes to get reelected."

Merkley, who was recently endorsed by the Oregon State Police Officers Association, has two children of his own and calls the ad "outrageous." President of the OSPOA, Jeff Leighty had this to say about Merkley's record in the state legislature.

"Jeff Merkley has always fought to keep our children and families safe from crime by ensuring that law enforcement have the resources they need to do their job," said Jeff Leighty, President of the OSPOA. "After riding along with our troopers, Jeff led the charge to help law enforcement patrol roads and highways 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Oregon needs a proven public safety leader to change the way things work in Washington D.C. Jeff Merkley will fight hard every single day in the U.S. Senate to ensure that Oregon law enforcement have the tools they need to do their job."

Since it's unlikely that the OSPOA would endorse a candidate who would want to protect rapists, we have to assume that Smith is either: A: playing revenge politics or B: he's seriously delusional.

We'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Choose "A."

Maybe this has something to do with Smith foaming at the mouth.

Just last week, an expose from an online weekly revealed that half of the work force at Smith's Frozen Foods, a company owned by Gordon Smith, is made up of illegal immigrants.

"The workers at Smith Frozen Foods, who clean the machinery, monitor production and pack upward of 50 million pounds of produce each year, earn about $80 a day, four or five days a week, 10 months a year—if they’re lucky.

One other thing—some of them appear to be illegal immigrants.

WW recently spent several days in Weston, and the nearby cities of Milton-Freewater and Walla Walla, Wash., where most of Smith’s employees live. WW spoke to dozens of current and former Smith workers, Latino advocates, court personnel, public defenders, educators, police administrators, church officials, social service agents and business owners and determined that some portion of Smith’s workforce comprises undocumented immigrants.

It’s a revelation that may not be newsworthy around Weston, where most people this reporter interviewed knew, or assumed, that the agricultural processing plant hired illegal immigrants.

But it is news to Oregon’s Republican foot soldiers, the Smith loyalists currently knocking on doors and raising money to support the two-term incumbent’s upcoming election."

Gordon Smith characterized the article as a "politically motivated hit piece." Meanwhile, Merkley has asked Smith to set the record straight by disclosing business documents.

"This would allow a thorough review into very serious allegations about hiring undocumented workers and mistreating his workforce," said Smith.

We won't hold our breath for any disclosures. We will however expect more distortions and lies from Smith's negative ad campaign. With a 60% disapproval rating in Oregon, there's no other strategy left. Not unless you count Smith's attempt to make us believe that Barack Obama is actually supporting his reelection bid.

Yesterday, Smith's Frozen Foods was fined $3900 for discharging waste water into a nearby creek. According to the Oregonian, this is the plant's sixth water quality penalty since 1992.

Please help Jeff Merkley defeat Gordon Smith and his sleazy campaign today!

CQ: Hagan Has Dole 'Playing Defense'

A fresh story from Congressional Quarterly details the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina.  A few highlights from Marie Horrigan.  Full story here.

• CQ's projection of the North Carolina US Senate race moves from leaning Dole to tossup.
  
• Recent polls indicate a very competitive race.
• Dole has been ranked the 93rd most effective Senator.  Hagan on the other hand has been ranked in the top 10 as a North Carolina State Senator.
• Fundraising:  78% of Hagan's money has come from donations within North Carolina, compared to just 41% for Dole. Hagan has raised $1 million in online donations alone.

ElectBlue, on August 26th, also projected this race as too close to call.

Help Kay Hagan defeat Liddy Dole by making a contribution today.   

Join Us! ElectBlue Campaign Road Trip

We're putting our money where our mouth is, and we want you to join us.

This Saturday, ElectBlue will be taking to the road, traveling to the all important swing-state of Ohio to work with the Barack Obama campaign.

If you've been following polls and electoral projections, you know already how important Ohio is. Republicans are working harder than ever in Ohio, and that's why we're putting our boots on the ground there.

You can help too.

Join us this Saturday in Cincinnati, Ohio as we canvass communities and help register new voters. We're taking the fight to Republicans as we help Barack Obama win back the White House.  For information on how to volunteer in other swing states, contact the Obama campaign here.

For more information on how to campaign with ElectBlue,  email us today!

What:  ElectBlue Campaign Road Trip

When:  Saturday Sept 20 (Meet @ 1PM EST) & Sunday Sept 21

Where:  Barack Obama Cincinnati Office

Contact:  Email Us: ElectBlue@comcast.net

Lou Dobbs Must Go

CNN's Lou Dobbs has been caught supporting the most outrageously racist, disgusting piece of trash yet to emerge in this election campaign. While attending the right-wing Value Voters Conference this weekend, Dobbs purchased a box of ObamaWaffles from a vendor at the meeting. 

Although it is beyond all bounds of decency, I have provided the hyperlink to the website hawking this unbelievably slimy, sleazy racist 'product' so you can it see for yourself. Be warned: it is totally disgusting.

This photo, from Pandagon.net, shows Dobbs holding a box of ObamaWaffles while posing with one of the neanderthal 'creators' of this racist garbage. 

This photo of Dobbs was initially posted on the ObamaWaffles website itself. Only a few hours ago it was pulled down and any mention of Dobbs was removed.  I imagine Lou had a 'Don Imus moment' when he saw the attention his support for overt racism was getting. Well he should have. 

It is stunning that a racist like Dobbs is given hours of access to millions of viewers every week by a widely respected news organization like CNN. Even worse, Dobbs is paid big bucks for his efforts while he hides behind a totally fictitious claim of being politically independent. He says independent, I say racist. It's time for CNN to face the truth and to do the right thing.

CNN should fire Lou Dobbs immediately. You can help make that happen by calling CNN at 1-404-827-1500. Tell CNN that racist-supporting slugs like Dobbs undermine CNN's integrity and destroy its journalistic reputation. He has no place on a news network. He must go. You can also send your comments to CNN electronically via their website.

Unbelievable, just totally unbelievable. 

Al Gore Endorses Tuke in TN Senate Race

Former Vice-President Al Gore has strongly endorsed Bob Tuke, Democratic candidate for the US Senate seat from Tennessee currently held by Republican Lamar Alexander. In a statement posted on Tuke's website, Gore writes:

"I am pleased to endorse my friend, Bob Tuke, to be the next U.S. Senator from my home state of Tennessee. Bob's plans to immediately and aggressively produce alternative energy in Tennessee will help solve the climate crisis, clean our air, create new jobs, and relieve the heavy burden of energy prices across America. But Bob is more than a candidate with timely solutions to pressing problems facing our nation and our planet. He is also a man of great honor and integrity. Bob has the life experience that we need to turn our country around. As a Marine combat veteran in Vietnam, Bob led troops in battle. The U.S. Senate would be well served to have his perspective as we finally bring an end to the mismanaged war in Iraq. These are just a few of the reasons that I am proud to give him my full support and endorsement."

Musgrove Wins Important Ballot Battle in Mississippi

Writing for the Congressional Quarterly's online news edition, CQ staffer Rachel Kapochunas reports that a Mississippi judge has handed an important victory to Democrat Ronnie Musgrove in his effort to have the special election for US Senate in the Magnolia State placed near the top of the ballot. Musgrove is challenging interim Senator, Republican Roger Wicker who was appointed late last year by Republican Governor Haley Barbour to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of former Senator Trent Lott.

Mississippi Republicans had placed the special US Senate race at the bottom of the state ballot, below even county and local races. It was evidently an effort to discourage Mississippi voters from participating in the very important - and nationally significant - Senate race. Historically, so-called 'down-ballot' races receive far fewer votes than those at the top of the ticket. Mississippi Republicans apparently figured that the fewer votes cast in the special US Senate race, the better for their candidate. Surprise.

The judge's order overturns that decision and requires that the US Senate race be placed near the top of the ballot along with other 'national' offices. There is no word yet as to whether the Mississippi state government, or the Mississippi Republican Party, will appeal the ruling.

What He Said Then... and What He Says Now

Maybe he just has a faulty memory. Or maybe he is blissfully unaware that everything a public figure says these days is recorded for all time and is instantly available on YouTube. Or maybe it's just one more example of Republican John McCain's cynical disdain for American voters. 

Here's McCain in one of the Republican Presidential debates, disparaging fellow Republicans Rudi Giuliani and Mitt Romney for their experiences as mayor and governor, respectively.

Now, of course, Republican McCain is touting Republican VP candidate Palin's brief experience as a mayor of a very small town, and her far briefer time as governor of a small (population-wise) state, as qualifying her to be President.  So which is it, Mr. McCain?  What you said then... or what you are saying now?

Clinton to Campaign for Lunsford in KY

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) will campaign for Kentucky Democrat Bruce Lunsford in the Bluegrass State on September 20th, according to a press release issued by the Lunsford camp this morning. Lunsford is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Mitch McConnell.

Lunsford, a successful Louisville businessman, is waging a vigorous fight against the scandal-ridden Republican McConnell, who has close ties to Big Oil and other corporate lobbyists. Just this week, McConnell was named as one of the twenty most corrupt politicians in Washington by the non-partisan group, Citizens for Reform and Ethics in Washington.

The Lunsford press release regarding Clinton's campaign swing in Kentucky reads, in part:

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will visit Kentucky on September 20th on behalf of Democratic Senate nominee Bruce Lunsford.  This will be Clinton's first trip to Kentucky since she won the Kentucky Democratic presidential primary on May 20th.  Senator Clinton will campaign for Lunsford in Pikeville and Lexington.

"I'm honored to have Kentucky's adopted daughter come back to Kentucky and campaign with me," said Bruce Lunsford. "Senator Clinton has a long history with Kentuckians and I anticipate her visit will go a long way to energize voters who want change."

Electoral Update - McCain Closes In

In our seventh Electoral Projection, John McCain continues to climb the electoral ladder, adding another 19 electoral votes to his total.  McCain, with 240 electoral votes, is closer now than ever to Obama (268).  There are now just three tossup states on the map. Nevada, New Mexico, and Ohio, all of which George Bush won in 2004, are too close to call.

Virginia (13) continues to be a key battleground although there does appear to be a tiny shift toward John McCain. According to a recent CNN/Time poll, McCain is beating Obama by 9 points with Independent voters in Virginia.  It should also be noted that this same poll is the first to show either candidate with a lead outside of the margin of error (50-46) since May. Three consecutive polls now put McCain ahead in Virginia, thereby shifting its status from tossup to leaning McCain.

McCain Picks Up Montana, North Dakota & Alaska

The addition of Sarah Palin has without a doubt electrified the Republican base.  Montana (3), previous to Palin, was thought by many to be in play.  One July poll showed Obama leading and another had both candidates tied. The newest polling by Rasmussen now shows an 11 point lead for McCain. 

The story is the same in North Dakota (3) where the race was competitive prior to Palin's entrance. Rasmussen's latest poll now show's a 14 point lead for McCain. Women, who previously favored Obama by 9 points now favor John McCain by 11. Independents have also shifted toward McCain.  It's safe to assume that Alaska (3) be a lock for McCain too.

Obama Picks Up Colorado, loses New Mexico

Barack Obama shows a net gain of four electoral votes this week.  New Mexico polling before the close of the Republican convention consistently favored Barack Obama.  A new poll now suggests McCain leading by just two points, well within the poll's +/- 4% margin of error.  New Mexico shifts from Obama to tossup.

Obama's lead in Colorado (9) mirrors that of John McCain's in Virginia. Polling in both states shows both candidates leading in three consecutive polls, albeit by small margins. Although McCain has undoubtedly benefited from a convention bounce in most states, there doesn't appear to be one in Colorado. The most recent polling in Colorado, by Insider Advantage, suggests that Obama still leads among Independent voters. The same poll also shows Obama leading McCain with women and men by the same margin, 49-46.  Obama also does well with Hispanics according to a recent PPP poll (58-34).  Colorado moves from tossup to Obama.

Pollsters have been busy in Michigan (17) lately.  Five polls have been conducted since the close of the Republican convention, and three of the five show the race as a statistical dead heat. McCain leads in the most recent Insider Advantage poll, his first lead here since May.

In seven weeks, McCain has added 65 electoral votes to his total. Barack Obama, who had 268 electoral votes in our first projection, has neither gained nor lost any ground. Most of McCain's surge can be attributed to his success in solidifying the Conservative base. This is especially true in traditional Republican strongholds where McCain's support was once soft (MT, ND, AK, IN). Now, with Palin on the ticket, the electoral map is shaking out to look more like what it did in 2000 and 2004. Colorado (Bush 2004 +5%) and Virginia (Bush 2004 +8%) the two exceptions so far. For Obama, he absolutely must hang on to the Kerry states. He then must find a way to capture 17 electoral votes from states where Bush won in 2004*.  Obama appears to have a solid lead in IA (7). Ten more?  Any combo of CO (9), NM (5), and NV (5) would put him over the goal-line.  Florida (27) and/or Ohio (20) all by themselves get the job done too.  This is by no means the only scenario that Obama can win.  It is however the most likely scenario at this point in the race. [CLICK CHART TO ENLARGE]

* Kerry received 251 electoral votes (19 short).  However, Kerry would have received 252 had one elector from MN not voted for John Edwards (18 short of 270). If Obama wins the Kerry states plus 17 electoral votes from Bush states, both candidates tie 269-269. Obama is certain to win in the event of a tie as the state delegations in the U.S. House favor Democrats.  Read more here about 269-269 scenarios.

 

The big questions going forward are:

• Can John McCain sustain his current numbers?  Much has been heard of the WalMart moms who are suddenly excited about Palin.  But if history is any indication, veep choices rarely matter.  Will Palin change all that?  Yes, she has a compelling story, but will that be enough to really sway voters?
• Can Obama hang on to the Kerry states?  John McCain's hopes of winning this election ride almost entirely on Ohio and Florida.  Losing ground in either one could spell disaster for McCain.  For Obama, sustaining his leads in states where John Kerry won is absolutely necessary.  So far, Obama has protected these states, but Michigan is very close.  Wisconsin is not far behind.
  
• Is there a page two of the Palin story?  It's all or nothing with Sarah Palin.  And John McCain can't keep Sarah Palin from the press forever. What more will we learn about Palin as the days and weeks go on? It's likely that McCain has gained the maximum potential out of Palin alone. What goes up usually comes down, even in politics. How much down remains yet to be seen. 

What's With Republicans & Their Memories Lately?

In less than a three weeks, we've witnessed John McCain forget how many homes he owns.  This week, it's Liddy Dole forgetting the name of her own business.  And now, Sarah Palin can't remember her own opinion on global warming.  

From Taegan Goddard this morning.

"Show me where I've ever said that there's absolute proof that nothing that man has ever conducted or engaged in has had any effect or no effect on climate change."
-- Governor Sarah Palin, September 11, 2008, ABC News Interview

"A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."

--Governor Sarah Palin, August 29, 2008, Newsmax Interview

Wall Street Journal - Dole Struggles Against Republican 'Baggage'

Hagan getting some national exposure in the WSJ today. Take note of the quote at the bottom.

In North Carolina, Libby Dole Battles Foe, Own Party's Baggage

By SARAH LUECK
September 12, 2008; Page A8

PITTSBORO, N.C. -- Six years ago, Elizabeth Dole won a Senate seat based on a long record in Washington and powerful ties to top Republicans. Few thought her re-election was in doubt.

But this year, with voters frustrated with Washington in general and Republicans in particular, Mrs. Dole is in a bruising battle to keep her job, according to recent polls. Her race against Democrat Kay Hagan, a North Carolina state senator, has become one of the more aggressive campaigns of this election, with each side hammering the other in television ads and public statements.

Sign of a Struggle

The North Carolina race is a sign of the struggle facing Republican incumbents around the country. Few have the résumé of Mrs. Dole, one of the best-known members of the party. She is married to former presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, has served as a cabinet secretary in two Republican administrations and was president of the nonpartisan American Red Cross.

Democrats are trying to turn Mrs. Dole's near-celebrity reputation into a liability. A series of ads says she's voted with President Bush 92% of the time and charges that she hasn't accomplished much as a senator, despite 40 years in Washington. "I fully expect to win," Mrs. Hagan said. "She hasn't been effective at all for North Carolina." 
.Mrs. Hagan's team has been encouraging supporters to hold "ruby-slipper parties," a reference to her promise to send Mrs. Dole "back to Kansas," her husband's native state and where she was registered to vote for years before running for Senate in North Carolina.

At a Memorial Day event in Thomasville, the two women met and exchanged pleasantries. "I've been wanting to meet you, too," said Mrs. Dole before adding -- without cracking a smile -- "I wear an 8½ medium."

Mrs. Dole, for her part, says she will prevail. She won in 2002, against a former Clinton administration official, by nine percentage points. Some supporters predict she'll win again, though perhaps by a smaller margin.

"The Senate race in North Carolina is always competitive, so you expect that you go out to work hard and to get the record out," Mrs. Dole said. "I think we'll come out fine."

Mrs. Dole skipped the Republicans' national convention to campaign. She picked up an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business group. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hagan spent the week discussing education. She held a roundtable discussion at school in Colfax, where she discussed suggested changes to the No Child Left Behind law.

Mrs. Dole seems hurt by the criticism leveled against her. At one forum, she spoke to agribusiness leaders about a multibillion-dollar buyout of tobacco farmers that passed Congress in 2004, a legislative accomplishment she often cites on the campaign trail. Then, Mrs. Hagan spoke while Mrs. Dole lingered in the wings.

"Her first words were, 'Elizabeth Dole didn't get the tobacco quota buyout for you. You did it,' and it just went from there," Mrs. Dole recalled. "Standing there watching it, it was fascinating. I mean it was just, tear me down."

Mrs. Hagan was not "tearing her down," responded spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan. "She takes opportunities to contrast her record of results with Elizabeth Dole's record of ineffectiveness," she said.

Mrs. Dole hit back last week with an ad featuring a small, barking dog repeatedly running at, and then into, a white picket fence, suggesting that Mrs. Hagan -- dubbed "Fibber Kay" in the ad -- is making a lot of noise but no progress.

Asked about the ad, Mrs. Dole said: "After six weeks of the mudslinging at me, it's time to say, 'Enough.' "

No Mention of Fight

At a recent visit with leaders of the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce, about 50 miles southeast of Greensboro, Mrs. Dole made no mention of the tough campaign fight. She discussed her support for greater offshore oil drilling and low taxes, and chatted about this year's apple crop and her work with a Christian antihunger charity.

David Poe, a long-term-care insurance agent who attended the meeting, said he was impressed that Mrs. Dole "was as on top of issues as she was." But he said he is not sure if he will vote for her.

"I'm disgusted with everyone in Washington. I'm pretty much of the opinion that if I could get rid of every incumbent there right now and just start over, we might be better off," said Mr. Poe, who is registered as unaffiliated.

Bob Garrison, a Greensboro mortgage banker, says he typically votes straight-ticket Republican. But he is upset about the Iraq war and is not sure about this year. To vote for Mrs. Dole, he said, "I guess I'd have to overcome some of the negative publicity about her."