65 Days: If Elizabeth Dole is not at the GOP Convention, where is she?

DAY 65

Like any Washington insider, Elizabeth Dole has been a regular fixture at GOP conventions since the 1980s, even speaking on behalf of the Bush-Cheney ticket just four years ago. Now, in damage control mode, after blindly supporting the failed Bush administration throughout her six years in office, Dole knows it is time to distance herself from her abysmal 92% voting record with George Bush. In a last-ditch effort to reintroduce herself to her constituents she has neglected for six years, Dole will skip this year’s GOP convention to campaign here instead. Folks still can't find out where she is, though: still no public events calendar on her website.

Dole Skipping 2008 Republican National Convention. Senator Elizabeth Dole announced that she will skip the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. According to Katie Hallaway, a Dole spokesperson, “nothing should be inferred about Dole’s missing the convention.” Dole is one of six Republican senators who are skipping the convention, all of whom are either up for reelection or are retiring this year. Dole spokesman Dan McLagan said that Dole is not trying to distance herself from George Bush, but said she is "just trying to run the best campaign she can and spend as much time as she can in North Carolina." [Raleigh News & Observer, 7/29/08; CQ Politics, 7/31/08]

Dole Had Speaking Role In 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000 & 2004 Republican Conventions. Elizabeth Dole had a speaking role at the Republican National Convention in 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004. In 2004, according to the Raleigh News & Observer, Dole had “a prime time TV speaking role…where she praised President Bush.” In 1996, Dole starred in an hour-long television show for the convention titled, “Conversations With Elizabeth Dole: Women Making a Difference” and introduced her husband, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee. In 1992, a reception was held with Dole in her honor at the Republican National Convention, although she did not make remarks to the entire convention. In 1988, Dole was the temporary chair at the Republican convention. [New York Times, 8/22/84; New York Times, 8/17/88; CNN.com, 8/31/04; Knight Ridder, 3/23/97; Associated Press, 8/2/00; Raleigh News & Observer, 7/29/08; Houston Chronicle, 8/17/92]

2004: Dole Praised George W. Bush. Speaking at the 2004 Republican National Convention, Elizabeth Dole said, “President Bush has restored honor and dignity to the White House.” [Des Moines Register, 9/1/04]

2000: Dole Said Bush Would “Restore Pride In Our Leaders.” Speaking at the 2000 Republican National Convention, Dole said, "In this era of rampant cynicism and indifference toward government, [Bush] is determined to bring civility to the public square and restore pride in our leaders." Furthermore, she said, "There are too many Americans without hope - too many street corners where despair reigns - too many classrooms where children are being left behind." [Charlotte Observer, 8/2/00]

---Disclosure: I am Kay Hagan's Online Communications Director---