Talk Elections

Election Day 1988: SURPRISE: Dukakis pulls upset
WASHINGTON, DC - Governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis pulled an upset in the 1988 presidential race. Despite polls showing Vice President George H.W. Bush leading Dukakis by anywhere from 8-10 percent, Dukakis won 51%-48%.
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Dukakis / Bentsen (D) 51% 271 EV
Bush / Quayle (R) 48% 267 EV
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Highlights of the Dukakis Administration, January 20, 1989 - January 2, 1991
- January 20, 1989 - Michael Dukakis and Llyod Bentsen are sworn into office
- March 1, 1989 - President Dukakis signs the largest expansion of medicaid into law
- March 21, 1989 - President Dukakis signs a budget into law which increases funding for medicaid and medicare while cutting the defense budget by $40 billion and reverses the Reagan tax cuts over two years
- June 27, 1989 - President Dukakis signs a $250 billion tax increase into law in order to reduce the projected 1990 deficit in half. The tax increase is on income for those making more than $150,000 per year
- January 18, 1990 - President Dukakis signs a bi-partsian bill placing tougher economic sanctions against Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein, who invaded Kuwait
- March 1, 1990 - House Minority Leader Newt Gingrich, Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole, and Senator John McCain of Arizona call on President Dukakis to deploy troops to Kuwait to drive Saddam Hussein out. The President says he opposes military action against Hussein.
- November 8, 1990 - Republicans regain a majority in the U.S. Senate and House, having run against the Dukakis tax increases and defense cuts
- December 14, 1990 - President Dukakis says that by 1992, the federal budget will be balanced
- December 19, 1990 - President Dukakis declines to agree to the North American Free Trade Agreement

January 4, 1991 - Kean enters presidential race
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CLARK, NJ - Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean declared he would be a candidate for President in the 1992 election. "What we face today as a country is a clear choice. The President has taken us in the wrong direction. He's raised taxes, made it harder for us to compete globally, he's weakened our defenses, and he's taken money away from our schools and instead spent it on expensive entitlement programs in desperate need of reform. I believe in the people of this country and that the people is the source of our greatness, not Washington D.C. In New Jersey, I reduced taxes, took on welfare, and enhanced the security of our citizens. It's that model that I'll follow in Washington" Kean told supporters.

January 21, 1991 - McCain to make longshot presidential bid
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PHOENIX, AZ - Senator John McCain of Arizona declared his intention to seek the Republican presidential nomination in the 1992 election. "I'm running because I believe this President has not addressed the issue of Saddam Hussein invading Kuwait, nor do I believe cutting our defense budget and having a plan to shrink our military is in our national security interests" McCain told reporters.

February 7, 1991 - Laffer to run for President
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CLEVELAND, OH - Economist Art Laffer, a former advisor to President Ronald Reagan, announced he would seek the Republican Presidential Nomination in 1992. "I'm running for President because I believe our economy needs another round of large tax reductions and that the current administration has implemented too many regulations, I think we need to empower individuals and the states as opposed to the federal government" Laffer told supporters.

March 1, 1991 - Dole enters presidential race
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RUSSELL, KS - Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole announced he would be a candidate for President in 1992. "I pledge to the American people, as President, I will cut taxes and balance the budget. I will sign NAFTA into law. I will restore the President's defense cuts, and I will confront Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. In the U.S. Senate, I fought to invest in our military while reducing taxes under President Reagan. I fought against this President's 1991 budget and forced him to cut that budget by over $200 billion. I know how to lead, and I'll be a strong, effective, conservative President" Dole stated.

Art Laffer is an interesting choice. I assume Buchanan and several others will jump into the race as well. Does the USSR still collapse as in reality?

Yes to the USSR

Maybe to Buchanan.......

I see some of the usual suspects here (Dole, McCain). I predict that Rudy Giuliani will have served at least one term as President by 2009

Haven't planned that far ahead actually.

March 10, 1991 - Rumsfeld enters presidential race
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ALEXANDRIA, VA - Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld declared he would be a candidate for President in 1992. "The world is looking for American leadership and they see a President who ignores the world stage. Americans are looking for a President who cares about creating jobs, but they see a President who ignored globalization and makes us less competitive. These times demand courageous, experienced leadership. I offer that to the American people" Rumsfeld told supporters.

March 27, 1991 - SUPRISE: Brown to challenge Dukakis
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IOWA CITY, IA - In a surprise move, Former Governor of California Jerry Brown announced he would challenge President Dukakis for the 1992 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "The President has slashed education funding from the federal government to states, he's raised taxes on small businesses, he's opposed efforts to invest in infrastructure, and he's slashed funding for our veterans. Over the past six months, more than 100,000 Americans have lost their jobs. I don't think he will be re-elected and in the interest of having Democrats win and our country do better, I'm going to challenge the President's nomination for re-election" Brown stated.

April 2, 1991 - Armey to run for President
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DOVER, NH - House Majority Leader Dick Armey announced his intention to run for President in the 1992 election. "Michael Dukakis has enabled welfare to become a way of life. While he's raised taxes on job creators, millions of Americans have lost their jobs. I believe the way back to prosperity is to first reform our welfare system to require work, and then to roll back the Dukakis tax increase" Armey told supporters.

April 17, 1991 - Poll: Dole, Duakis lead
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GOP Nomination
Bob Dole 33%
Dick Cheney 27%
Tom Kean 19%
Alan Keyes 9%
Dick Armey 6%
John McCain 4%
Art Laffer 1%
Other 1%

Democratic Nomination
Michael Dukakis 59%
Jerry Brown 27%

April 19, 1991 - Dukakis vetoes bi-partisian welfare reform
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WASHINGTON, DC - Arguing that work requirements are a state issue, President Dukakis vetoed a bi-partisian bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-KS) and Senator Al D'Amato (D-NY) which would mandate that states receiving federal welfare dollars require that applicants are either looking for work or in a job training program. 

April 23, 1991 - Citing welfare and the economy, D'Amato backs Brown
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MANCHESTER, NH - Senator Al D'Amato (D-NY) formally endorsed Jerry Brown's 1992 presidential campaign. "Jerry Brown is the candidate in this race who is focused on growing our economy while balancing the budget. Brown's economic plan calls for a middle class tax cut, investments in infrastructure and education, but it also calls for reforming social security and medicare to balance the budget. Additionally, Governor Brown supports the bi-partisian legislation the President vetoed mandating a work requirement in welfare. He has my vote for President" D'Amato stated.

May 1, 1991 - Bush backs Dole for President
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CHARLESTON, SC - Former Vice President and 1988 Republican Presidential Nominee George Bush endorsed Bob Dole for President in 1992. "Bob Dole has the experience, the character, and the vision to lead America towards the 21st century. He fought for the Reagan tax cut and investing in our military during the 1980s and has been a tireless advocate for lower taxes and a strong national defense throughout his career. He's ready to lead this country" Bush said of Dole. 

D'amato was a Republican.

A narrow Dukakis victory looks like this in '88: ()

He'd probably have lost the popular vote, too. (Maybe he wins a Michigan recount?)

lol #Ifail

I forgot that

May 17, 1991 - Kean challenges Dukakis, Dole in New Hampshire on the economy
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MANCHESTER, NH - Republican Presidential Hopeful Tom Kean challenged GOP front-runner Bob Dole and President Michael Dukakis on the campaign trail in New Hampshire on the economy. "200,000 jobs have been lost since December, and the President's answer is to keep in place higher taxes and closed markets, while Bob Dole does nothing to challenge the President's policies. If elected President, I will reduce taxes by 20% on those making above $70,000 per year while eliminating the income tax on working people while investing in infrastructure and tax credits for business expansion to put Americans back to work, and I'll require welfare applicants to be looking for work if they want your money" Kean told supporters.

May 29, 1991 - Brown sides with Republicans on Kuwait
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WILMINGTON, DE - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Jerry Brown declared that he believed President Dukakis had not done enough to drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. "The fact of the matter is, Saddam Hussein is a brutal dictator who seeks an empire and it's not in our interests to allow that to happen. I agree with Senator Dole and others on this, this President has ignored what's happening over there. If elected President, I'll do something about it" Brown declared.

June 10, 1991 - Jack Kemp backs Tom Kean for President
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CLARK, NJ - Congressman Jack Kemp (R-NY), considered one of the most conservative members of the U.S. House, endorsed Tom Kean for President in 1992. "Tom Kean has a consistent record of protecting the interests of taxpayers, he believes in free markets and a strong national defense" Kemp said of Kean at a press conference.

July 7, 1991 - Fearing Kean in New Hampshire, Dole goes on the offensive
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DOVER, NH - Republican Presidential Candidate Bob Dole, seeing a surging Tom Kean in New Hampshire, went on the offensive. "In New Jersey, Tom Kean raised his state's gasoline and sales taxes just to balance the budget, he also spent more money than any Governor in America on television advertising for his state. That's not fiscally responsible. In the U.S. Senate, I've fought the Dukakis agenda and for a balanced budget and tax cuts. In fact, I forced the President to cut $200 billion from his budget last year and stopped a 10% increase in the payroll tax" Dole told supporters.

Kean responds to Dole
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HILLSBOROUGH, NH - Republican Presidential Hopeful Tom Kean responded to attacks by opponent Bob Dole. "As Governor, I balanced the budget, reformed our welfare system to require work, and invested in education. I did fight for lowering taxes as Governor. In the U.S. Senate, Bob Dole has actually voted to raise your taxes twelve times while slashing education funding while the federal budget still isn't balanced, that's not leadership" Kean stated.

July 15, 1991 - President Dukakis formally announces he's running for re-election
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BOSTON, MA - President Michael Dukakis, joined by Vice President Lloyd Bentsen, declared he would seek re-election in 1992. "Four years ago, I promised the American people I'd fight for their best interests. Today, over 2.2 million Americans have found access to health care. Over 210,000 more kids are going to college. We are just a 18 months away from a balanced budget for the first time in decades. Interest rates remain low, inflation remains low, and the middle class have seen their wages continue to grow. Our work is not finished though. Too many Americans are finding it harder to find good jobs. Our veterans still find themselves in need of better health care. The national debt continues to be too high. We need to join together, to work together, to solve these and other problems, and that's why I'm running for re-election as President" Dukakis declared.

July 23, 1991 - Rumsfeld runs to the right of Dole, Kean
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COLUMBIA, SC - Running to the right of GOP hopefuls Bob Dole and Tom Kean, Presidential Hopeful Donald Rumsfeld declared he was the "true consistent conservative" in the race for President. Pledging to restore defense spending to Reagan-era levels, drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, drastically reduce taxes while balancing the budget, and pledging to have an administration committed to the pro-life position, Donald Rumsfeld told voters he was the conservative voice in the race for President. "I'm the candidate in this race who is a conservative, who always has been a conservative, and who always will be a conservative. I am for free markets, the sanctity of human life, the rule of law, and a strong national defense. Those will be the guiding principles of my presidency" Rumsfeld declared.

August 1, 1991 - Brown: Dukakis can't win
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IOWA CITY, IA - On the campaign trail in Iowa, Democratic Presidential Candidate Jerry Brown told supporters President Dukakis could not win a second term. "His approval ratings are around 42% right now, Bob Dole and Tom Kean lead him by four points at best, where as I actually lead them by one point in the most recent poll. It's because I've invested in education while balancing the budget while the President hasn't, I've actually turned a state around while he's moving the country in the wrong direction" Brown stated.

August 7, 1991 - Dole wins Ames, IA Straw Poll
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Bob Dole 1,902
Donald Rumsfeld 1,402
Tom Kean 997
Dick Armey 941
John McCain 101
Art Laffer 87

August 15, 1991 - Republicans hold first debate of campaign season
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HIGHLIGHTS:

"In the U.S. Senate, I fought for the Reagan tax cuts and investments in our military. As Republican leader, I led the fight against the Dukakis middle class tax increase and forced the President to cut $200 billion from this year's budget so we can see it balanced by the year 1993. As President, I'll fight to cut taxes by 20% across the board, balance the budget, restore the $40 billion in cuts the President made to the defense budget in 1990, restore the $7 billion the President made to veterans care in 1989, and begin to pay down the national debt as the economy grows and we see increased revenues. Additionally, I'll restore America's moral authority on the international stage. I know how to lead and I have the experience to be President of the United States" - Bob Dole

"The truth is, Michael Dukakis has let America's guard down on the world stage. Now is an opportunity to spread capitalism by encouraging free markets and free people. I won't be afraid to exert America's influence in foreign affairs because I understand the world we live in. My friends, it is crucial that the next President of the United States works with Russia to ensure they become a fully capitalist society which is transparent. It's critical the next President of the United States drives Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, something this President has ignored. We can talk all we want about restoring defense cuts, which I support, but we must also conduct a foreign policy which advances our security and values" - Donald Rumsfeld

"The truth is, Washington is broken. Politicians in Washington have slashed funding for education and veterans care while enabling welfare to become a way of life. I think that's backwards. We should encourage the free market by having open markets and lower taxes, which is why I've promised to eliminate income taxes for those earning less than $75,000 per year and restoring tax rates to 1989 levels for everyone else. I've promised to also restore spending levels to 1989 levels and to push for sweeping welfare reform with not only a work requirement like I implemented in New Jersey, but also tough penalties for those who commit fraud. My presidency will focus on returning money back to the people, upgrading our crumbling infrastructure, reforming our welfare system, saving our schools, and ensuring security for the people of this country" - Tom Kean

"The biggest failure of the Dukakis administration in my mind has been to grow the American economy and put people back to work, that's something we all agree on. But, I'm the only candidate in this race who supports a 15% across the board flat tax, who supports reducing the time people are allowed to remain on welfare, and I'm the only candidate in this race who has committed to sending money back to states for the purpose of allowing the states to have more power than the federal government. Our founders didn't envision the large federal government we have today, and I am the candidate with the plan to restore the republic to what it was originally" - Dick Armey

"What brings me to this presidential race is a commitment to balance the federal budget and save medicare and medicaid. I propose eliminating earmarks, eliminating farm subsidies and those tax breaks given to big oil, and using that money to pay down the national debt. Additionally, I believe medicare needs to be means tested, and medicaid ought to be preserved by allowing for health care savings accounts to increase competition and thus, reduce cost. In 1988, the President told us he'd balance the budget by 1990. Now, he says he'll balance the budget by 1993. I'll balance the budget by 1992 and get there by controlling spending" - John McCain

"I'm the only economist in this presidential race and during a time of economic recession, we can use someone as President who understands the economy. Bob Dole and Tom Kean have proposed tax cuts which will help people make ends meet, but neither of them reduces taxes on investment and capital gains, which are key to economic growth. No one up here has addressed the regulations the administration has put in place, these are regulations Jimmy Carter first put in place before President Reagan reversed them and then the current administration re-instituted them without the approval of congress. I want to drastically reduce taxes, drastically reduce spending, drastically reduce the power of the federal government, and drastically reduce federal regulations" - Art Laffer

August 27, 1991 - Brown calls for universal health care
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DOVER, NH - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Jerry Brown announced his support for universal health care coverage for those earning less than $80,000 per year. "I believe that getting working people health insurance should be a top priority of the next President of the United States because it would take that burden off employers and local taxpayers" Brown stated.

September 2, 1991 - Cuomo backs Brown for President
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York Mario Cuomo endorsed Jerry Brown for President. "Jerry Brown has the executive experience to be President, and I happen to believe he would be a stronger, more effective leader for this country than the current President" Cuomo stated.

September 5, 1991 - Poll: Brown closes gap, Dole remains GOP front-runner
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GOP Nomination
Bob Dole 31%
Tom Kean 22%
Donald Rumsfeld 20%
Dick Armey 15%
John McCain 7%
Art Laffer 2%
Other 1%

Democratic Nomination
Michael Dukakis 44%
Jerry Brown 33%

September 19, 1991 - Gregg backs Kean for President
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MANCHESTER, NH - Governor of New Hampshire Judd Gregg backed Tom Kean for President. "Tom Kean is a proven reformer who can both win the election and govern this country" Gregg said of Kean.

September 15, 1991 - Clinton endorses Brown for President
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CHARLESTON, SC - Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton endorsed Jerry Brown for President. "Jerry Brown will bring a new vision to the white house and he will be the President to restore economic growth" Clinton said of Brown.

September 23, 1991 - Haig backs Dole
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DES MOINES, IA - Former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig endorsed Bob Dole for President. "Bob Dole has the experience, the vision, and the leadership capability to restore American greatness" Haig said of Dole.

October 15, 1991 - Poll: Dole, Kean strongest against Dukakis, Brown electable
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Bob Dole 48%
Michael Dukakis 42%

Tom Kean 47%
Michael Dukakis 41%

Michael Duakis 46%
Donald Rumsfeld 45%

Bob Dole 45%
Jerry Brown 44%

Tom Kean 45%
Jerry Brown 45%

Jerry Brown 47%
Donald Rumsfeld 43%

November 1, 1991 - Quayle backs Rumsfeld for President
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LANSING, MI - 1988 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee and Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana, candidate for Governor, announced he endorsement of Donald Rumsfeld for President. "The fact of the matter is, Donald Rumsfeld is the pro-life, pro-family, free market, consistent conservative candidate in this race and he has my support" Quayle said of Rumsfeld.

December 4, 1991 - Armey ends presidential bid, endorses Bob Dole for President, citing a lack of funds
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WASHINGTON D.C. - House Majority Leader Dick Armey ended his presidential campaign and endorsed Bob Dole for President, citing only having $23,000 left in his campaign account. "I am ending my presidential campaign and endorsing the most electable, and most experienced, candidate for President, Bob Dole" Armey announced at a press conference.

January 3, 1992: IOWA CAUCUS - Dole wins, Dukakis prevails over Brown, Laffer drops out
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IOWA CITY, IA - Republicans and Democrats took to the caucuses to pick a President. With all the votes cast, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole garnered the support of 40% of Iowa Caucus goers, with Donald Rumsfeld in a distant second at 23%. Tom Kean, who had skipped Iowa, placed third with 20%. John McCain, with limited resources, won 11% of the vote. Economist Art Laffer won just 5% of the vote and announced he was ending his 1992 presidential bid. On the Democratic side, President Michael Dukakis easily won, garnering 62% of the vote ahead of Jerry Brown's 34%.

January 10, 1992 - NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY: Dukakis wins overwhelming support, Kean beats Dole
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MANCHESTER, NH - New Hampshire voters took to the polls for the first in the national presidential primary. On the Democratic side, President Dukakis won 72% of the votes cast, ahead of Jerry Brown's 25%. On the Republican side, Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean won a decisive victory - Kean had focused heavily on New Hampshire, and won 49% of the vote. Bob Dole won 20% of the vote, followed by Donald Rumsfeld at 15% followed by John McCain with 12%.

January 14, 1992 - DELAWARE, ALABAMA PRIMARIES: Dole dominates GOP, Brown wins suprise victory in Alabama as Dukakis wins Delaware
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DOVER, DE - Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole won primaries in both Delaware and Alabama. In Delaware, Dole won a narrow victory, winning 41%-39% over Tom Kean, with Donald Rumsfeld winning just 12% of the vote and John McCain winning just 7%. In Alabama, Dole won decisively - garnering 45% of the vote to Donald Rumsfeld's 30%. Kean won 15% and McCain 9% there. On the Democratic side, President Dukakis won 77%-32% in Delaware, but Jerry Brown managed to win Alabama, 50%-48%.

January 15, 1992 - Senator John McCain ends presidential bid, endorses Bob Dole for President
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PHOENIX, AZ - Senator John McCain announced he was ending his 1992 presidential bid and would endorse Bob Dole for President at a press conference. "Bob Dole has spent his entire adult life in service to our country, and I believe he is simply the best qualified person to be President" McCain stated.

This is great!!

Thank You!

January 18, 1992 - Dole Vs. Kean in Michigan
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LANSING, MI - GOP Presidential Hopefuls Bob Dole and Tom Kean are largely ignoring candidate Donald Rumsfeld on the campaign trail as they compete for votes in Michigan. "Bob Dole is an honorable man, but he's spent the past three decades in Washington, my experience is leading a state and making tough decisions" Tom Kean stated. "Governor Kean increased taxes on gasoline and consumption while increasing state spending as a Governor, we need a President who will reduce taxes and balance the budget" Bob Dole told supporters. Largely, the campaign on the GOP side is turning into a contest of what kind of experience voters want. Dole, a veteran of Washington politics, is running on his experience as a legislator and, in large part, the legacy of the Reagan administration. By contrast, Tom Kean is running on his record as a two-term New Jersey Governor. Both men are running attack ads against each other. Kean's ads portray Dole as a longtime politician and attack him for his role in the 1990 budget compromise with the Dukakis administration, where the payroll tax was increased on employers by 10% to fund social security and medicare premiums rose 7%. Dole's ads attack Kean for increases in taxes on gasoline and sales as a Governor, as well as Kean's opposition to a presidential line-item veto.

January 23, 1992 - MICHIGAN PRIMARY: Brown upsets Dukakis again, Kean beats Dole
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DETROIT, MI - For the second time in the race for President, Former Governor of California Jerry Brown upset President Michael Dukakis in a primary, this time winning 54%-44% in Michigan. On the Republican side, Tom Kean garnered 42% of the vote, followed by Bob Dole with 32% and Donald Rumsfeld at 23%.

January 25, 1992 - BREAKING: Dukakis won't seek re-election
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WASHINGTON D.C. - President Michael Dukakis abruptly announced he would not seek a second term as President of the United States after two straight losses to Jerry Brown in Alabama and Michigan. "I am no longer a candidate for re-election. It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve as President of the United States, and I look forward to serving the American people for the next 12 months" Dukakis announced. Despite victories in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Delaware in addition to leading public opinion polls by more than 20 percentage points, Dukakis lost two critical early primaries and a poll out the day after the Michigan primary showed him leading Jerry Brown by just 5 percentage points.

January 27, 1992 - Bentsen says no to '92 presidential run
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WASHINGTON D.C. - Pledging to support the Democratic Presidential Nominee, Vice President Lloyd Bensten announced he would not be a candidate for President in the 1992 election.

January 29, 1992 - Hart replaces President Dukakis as Democratic establishment candidate
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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Former U.S. Senator and two-time presidential candidate Gary Hart announced he would be a candidate for President in the 1992 election. "The truth is, America is hurting. We need a President to restore our moral authority globally and to grow our economy here at home" Hart told supporters.

February 12, 1992 - Dole dominates Super Tuesday and Brown takes all Democratic contests
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ATLANTA, GA - Of the nine presidential primaries, Republican Bob Dole won six in his home state of Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Vermont, West Virginia, and Indiana. Opponent Tom Kean won his home state of New Jersey in addition to New York and Connecticut. On the Democratic side, Jerry Brown won every Democratic contest and in all of the states except New York, by double digits over newcomer Gary Hart.

February 14, 1992 - Rumsfeld exits Presidential Race
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February 19, 1992 - Dole wins Alaska, Louisiana as Democrats split contests
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BATON ROUGE, LA - Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole won presidential contests in Alaska (53% - 41% for Tom Kean) and Louisiana (61% - 37% for Tom Kean) while on the Democratic side, Jerry Brown handily won Alaska (59% - 40% for Gary Hart) while Gary Hart won Louisiana (52% - 47%).

February 20, 1992 - Kean ends presidential bid, endorses Bob Dole
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CLARK, NJ - Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean ended his 1992 presidential bid and endorsed Bob Dole for President. "I'm proud of the campaign I ran. I'm pleased to endorse my friend Bob Dole as the nominee of the Republican Party for President. I know he'll represent the values of our party and our nation well" Kean stated.

Bob Dole secures Republican Presidential Nomination
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"The American people deserve strong, determined, experienced leadership. The Democratic Party promised Americans they'd fight for the middle class four years ago. Today, middle class families have seen their taxes rise and their incomes fall. Welfare rolls have hit record levels over the past two years alone. Over 350,000 Americans have lost their jobs since the start of this recession, and we aren't seeing any encouraging news. What we offer Americans is quite different. Tax cuts, a balanced budget, welfare reform, judges who aren't activists, a strong military, and free trade so Americans can compete in a global economy" - Bob Dole, victory speech

February 24, 1992 - Jerry Brown wins Indiana Presidential Primary
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Democratic Presidential Candidate Jerry Brown won Indiana's presidential primary, defeating opponent Gary Hart 53%-46%.

February 27, 1992 - Poll: Brown leads Hart by significant margin
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Jerry Brown 49%
Gary Hart 31%

March 1, 1992 - President Dukakis endorses former rival
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - President Michael Dukakis endorsed Gary Hart for President. Hart and Dukakis had both run for President in 1988. "Gary Hart is a fighter, and he's somebody I know will continue the fight on behalf of working families" Dukakis said of Hart.

March 2, 1992 - Brown: Hart, Dukakis ruining Democratic Party
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BOCA RATON, FL - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Jerry Brown attacked President Dukakis and opponent Gary Hart. "The truth is, President Dukakis had enabled our party to become the party of tax increases and welfare because of his unwillingness to understand that the middle class and those struggling deserve a tax cut and that work requirements in welfare are not such a bad thing. My message was always more progressive than the Presidents, I believe in investing in our crumbling infrastructure, education, the environment, and our veterans. But, I also believe in balanced budgets and lower taxes for working families. Four years ago, Gary Hart ran for President on a platform of common sense, now he's running as a carbon copy of President Dukakis and that hurts our party badly" Brown stated.

March 6, 1992 - Brown wins Florida Primary
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TAMPA, FL - Democratic Presidential Candidate Jerry Brown won Florida's presidential primary, garnering 57% of the vote as opponent Gary Hart took 42% of the vote.

March 14, 1992 - Dole lays out economic agenda
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CLEVELAND, OH - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole put forth an economic agenda. Dole called for a 20% across the board reduction in income taxes, a reduction in the corporate tax rate to 18%, passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and elimination of taxes on savings. "Under President Dukakis, nearly half a million Americans have lost their jobs as incomes have fallen. My plan will reduce taxes, encourage free trade in north America, and balance the budget" Dole stated. Dole also pledged to balance the federal budget and submit a balanced budget every year he was in office by restraining the growth of government spending to 2% per year and increased economic growth.

March 15, 1992 - Brown, Hart debate ahead of trio of primaries
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"In California, I balanced budgets and opposed my own party in raising taxes while still managing to invest in education, roads, and environmental cleanup. That's what I plan to do as President. I have stated I will not raise taxes on the middle class and I'll balance the budget while still investing money in our federal highway system, local aid to education, and in environmental clean up - I'll pay for it by asking those making more than half a million dollars each year to pay five percent more in income taxes and by ending federal subsidies to big oil and agriculture. I've also called for reversing this President's increase in medicare premiums on the poorest seniors by means testing the program" - Jerry Brown

"I have a reputation as having been a maverick in Washington. I'm willing to take part in compromise with Republicans, but I'm also committed to the principles of the Democratic Party. I believe welfare reform, balanced budgets, and tax cuts are all noble goals, but not at the expense of cutting medicare, raiding the social security trust fund, and reducing funding to education like the Republicans have called for. In fact, Senator Bob Dole voted against medicare and has said he has no regrets about that as recently as last year. The choice in this election is about who can beat Bob Dole and the Republicans. My opponent keeps on giving the Republicans soundbites to use, I have said that I'll run on my record as having won in a tough state for a Democrat and working with Republicans and Democrats to expand veterans health care, increase federal college scholarships, and championing the Dukakis medicaid expansion to help over seven million Americans afford health insurance" - Gary Hart

"Here are the facts. Half a million Americans have lost their jobs. Incomes have fallen for the first time in a decade last year and this year. The deficit doubled over the past four years. The President and my opponent have defended their records by blaming both President Reagan and even some Democrats in congress. Yes, President Reagan and Bob Dole created the deficit. But, my opponent and President Dukakis made it worse when they allowed congress to increase federal farm subsidies while cutting funding for education and veteran's health care. So, if Senator Hart is our nominee, then he and Bob Dole will both be debating which one was more instrumental in creating the deficit and unemployment. My debate with Senator Dole would be about if we want to continue more of the same or change" - Jerry Brown

"My pledge to the American people is that I will sign welfare reform, which I was one of only three senate Democrats to vote for, and I will reduce the income tax for those making less than $75,000 per year while still balancing the federal budget and increasing aid to education while creating new standards so our kids get a quality education. The truth is, debt increased 25% when Jerry Brown was Governor of California, and in the U.S. Senate I've been the biggest opponent of growing our national debt. I voted in favor of tax cuts which Jerry Brown opposed. So, the Governor is misleading folks about where I stand" - Gary Hart

March 5, 1992 – Brown wins trio of primaries
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PHEONIX, AZ – Democratic Presidential Hopeful Jerry Brown won three primaries in Arizona, Utah, and South Dakota. His strongest showing was in Arizona, where he defeated opponent Gary Hart 59%-40%. In South Dakota, Brown won 68%-31%. In Utah, Brown won 61%-38%.

March 7, 1992 – Hart ends presidential bid
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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – U.S. Senator Gary Hart ended his 1992 presidential campaign after losing primaries in Arizona, South Dakota, and Utah

Jerry Brown wins Democratic Presidential Nomination
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OAKLAND, CA – Former Governor of California Jerry Brown secured the nomination of his party for President. “Tonight marks a comeback for the people of America. We told the political establishment in Washington that people vote, not money. Our campaign message of investing in education, health care, our roads, and the environment, as well as balancing the budget has resonated with the people of this country. Bob Dole and the Republicans will make the case we represent the far left in American politics. But, we represent the mainstream in American politics. They are the ones who tried to slash medicare and the ones who gave huge tax breaks for the rich while slashing funding for education in the last decade. This campaign is about the people, not the special interests, and that’s our message” Brown stated at a rally in Oakland, CA.

March 23, 1992 – Poll: Dole, Brown in tight race
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Jerry Brown 46%
Bob Dole 45%

April 4, 1992 – Brown gives speech on economy
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LOUISVILLE, KY – Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Jerry Brown spoke about his economic agenda in Kentucky. Brown proposed increasing federal funding for health care subsidies for those earning less than $75,000 per year who lacked care, increasing funding for aid to education, $50 billion in infrastructure investments over a five year period, and tougher air quality standards and $1 billion in federal funding for cleaning up of lakes and rivers. Brown also proposed a 5% increase in the income tax for those making more than $1 million per year, restoring President Dukakis’s cuts to defense and veterans, and elimination of federal subsidies. Brown said his plan would increase spending by $500 billion over a decade, but were completely off-set by his cuts in federal subsidies and tax increase on the wealthy.

April 7, 1992 – Bob Dole: Jerry Brown for class warfare, bigger government
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MORRISTOWN, NJ – Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole argued opponent Jerry Brown was for class warfare and bigger government. “Jerry Brown’s $300 billion tax increase and $200 billion in spending cuts won’t off-set his $800 billion in new spending. In fact, Governor Brown’s plan would actually be closer to $1 trillion in new spending if you include the spending this administration has proposed which he hasn’t said he’d repeal. My opponent believes in class warfare and bigger government, I believe in lower taxes and more economic freedom” Dole told supporters.

May 1, 1992 – President Dukakis, Senator Hart endorse Jerry Brown for President
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WASHINGTON, DC – At a press conference in Washington D.C., President Michael Dukakis and Senator Gary Hart endorsed Jerry Brown for President in 1992. “Governor Brown represents the values of the people of this country. I know he has the experience and knowledge to lead. He is an independent voice on behalf of working people in America today” the President said of Brown.

June 4, 1992 – Brown: Dole part of the past, out of touch
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DOVER, NH – Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Jerry Brown attacked opponent Bob Dole as out of touch and part of the past. “I honor my opponents service to our nation, but he represents the failed policies of the last decade. My opponent has voted against medicare and to slash food stamps while supporting federal subsidies, large tax breaks to the rich, and to raise our national debt. These policies got us into this economic slump, he’s simply out of touch with hard working American who are struggling in this economy” Brown told supporters at a rally.

July 2, 1992 – Jerry Brown picks Doug Wilder for Vice President
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RICHMOND, VA – Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Jerry Brown selected Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder as his running-mate in the 1992 election. “Doug Wilder has been a champion for education reform, expanded health care access, and for tax relief for working families. He’s someone I can depend on for advice and guidance” Brown said of Wilder.

July 14, 1992 – Dole picks Gregg for Vice President
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MANCHESTER, NH – Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole selected Governor of New Hampshire Judd Gregg as his running-mate in the 1992 election. “Judd Gregg has a record of reducing taxes and spending while protecting family values and public safety in the state of New Hampshire. He has experience as an executive and consensus-building” Dole said of Gregg.

Great VP selections! Go Brown!

Thank You!

August 3, 1992 - Wilder accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder accepted his party's vice presidential nomination. "Together, Jerry Brown and I will fight for the forgotten middle class in America. We want to make sure that this generation and the next have a decent education, safe communities, clean air and water, affordable health insurance, and opportunities for jobs. The economy is weak. Washington is broken. Jerry Brown and I have the experience to revive our nation's spirit while working with members of both parties to grow the economy by making investments in our people without increasing deficit spending" Wilder stated. "I stand here today as a proud Democrat, but I'm an American first. As your vice president, I promise to tell you the truth and to fight for you and your family" Wilder added.

August 5, 1992 - Brown accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - Former Governor of California Jerry Brown accepted his party's nomination for President. "As President, my focus will be changing the culture of Washington D.C. from one which focuses on too much on the needs of the special interests and not on the problems of ordinary citizens. The platform I run on is one which focuses on investing in education, health care, infrastructure, and the environment while balancing the budget and ending special interest subsidies" Brown told delegates. "My goal is to revive this nation's economy, balance the budget, and end the bickering in Washington" Brown stated.

August 17, 1992 - Gregg accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - Governor of New Hampshire Judd Gregg accepted his party's nomination for Vice President. "Governor Brown and Governor Wilder propose nearly $1 trillion in new spending, paid for by higher taxes. They have an approach to governing which has failed California, and which has failed over the past four years. Bob Dole and I propose a plan which cuts your taxes, reduces federal spending, reduces regulations, reforms welfare, and which returns power to states and individuals" Gregg stated. "Bob Dole and I understand how to lead, we understand that America must stand up to our enemies, build strong alliances with our allies, and grow here at home" Gregg added.

August 19, 1992 - Dole accepts GOP Presidential Nomination
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole accepted the Republican Presidential Nomination. "My entire life, I've been fighting for America. I've been tested in war and proven in peace, and I'm ready to lead America. I know your ready for change. But change must include lower taxes, less spending, and more economic freedom. It must include a strong America, and an America which continues to stand for the values which have sustained us" Dole stated. "The promise of this country will be restored in a Dole presidency" Dole added.

September 4, 1992 - Poll: Brown takes largest lead of '92 cycle
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Jerry Brown 47%
Bob Dole 40%

September 10, 1992 - Dole Vs. Brown on U.S. economy
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WASHINGTON, DC - Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole and Democratic Presidential Nominee Jerry Brown disagree about the condition of the U.S. economy. "We had about 14 months of recession, which ended in July - we've seen the best job growth in three years last month, we need to continue the momentum by investing in our infrastructure and by keeping tax rates the same as where they are today, and that's what I plan on doing except for the very rich" Jerry Brown, campaigning in West Virginia, stated. "The truth is, wages have fallen by $800 over the past two years, taxes have gone up by 7% under this administration, and while we gained 16 million jobs under Ronald Reagan, we've lost 410,000 under Michael Dukakis." Bob Dole said at a rally in New Hampshire.

September 23, 1992 - Rumsfeld, Hart discuss '92 election at Denver Forum
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DENVER, CO - Former Presidential Hopefuls Donald Rumsfeld and Gary Hart discussed the 1992 election at a forum in Denver, Colorado. Rumsfeld argued that he could not predict the winner of the election. "I think with the President's approval ratings around 45% and the weak economy, Bob Dole has an advantage. However, for the first time since Truman in 1948, the Democrats appear to be raising more money and Jerry Brown is a very dynamic campaigner. The dominant issue appears to be the economy, but with the President not on the ballot, it's tough to tell who will win" Rumsfeld stated. Gary Hart disagreed. "The truth is, President Dukakis could not win re-election. It's plain and simple, the economy is weak and he knows it. That's why he dropped out of the race. But, Senator Dole has run a poorly run campaign - they are spending tons of money in states like Florida and Ohio where they are going to win anyway, while Jerry Brown is spending money in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky where it could go either way according to the polls, Governor Brown should win despite the economy" Hart stated.

October 2, 1992 - Candidates debate Domestic issues in first debate
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"My economic plan will grow this economy by reducing taxes and opening up our markets. I'll cut taxes for every American, reduce the corporate business tax to 22%, reduce the capital gains tax by 10%, and unlike my opponent, I will sign the North American Free Trade Agreement into law. Ronald Reagan reduced taxes, and I fought on the senate floor for those tax cuts by the way, and our economy grew by some 16 million jobs. To get us out of the Dukakis recession, I'll again reduce taxes. But, we are also in a global economy and need to open up our markets. That also means being competitive here at home by having lower taxes, a well-trained workforce, and fewer federal regulations" - Bob Dole

"Senator Dole has voted to protect large tax loopholes for the very rich and corporate subsidies, I'll reduce taxes on small businesses but ask the wealthy to pay their fair share. My plan will help cut the average small business's tax rate by 10% and the typical family saves $1,000 each year under my plan. The wealthiest in this country will pay 5% more in taxes before we close loopholes. My plan also invests in local aid to education, expanded health care access for 4.2 million Americans, environmental cleanup, and saving our interstate highway system" - Jerry Brown

"In California, Jerry Brown increased state spending by 23% and he actually cut local aid to education during his final two years in office. So, when you hear him tout his California record as a role model for America, keep that in mind. Also keep in mind he's proposing a plan which raises taxes by $450 billion and spending by $950 billion, thus creating a budget gap of $500 billion. My plan cuts taxes, brings spending to 1989 levels, restores cuts to the military and veteran's programs, and balances the budget by the year 1993. I already forced the President to cut from his discretionary budgets two years in a row - I know how to fight for a balanced budget and tax cuts" - Bob Dole

"Senator Dole did fight for Ronald Reagan's budgets. Those budgets doubled our nation's debt and increased deficits. In California, I've balanced budgets. Funding for education, infrastructure, health care for women, and medicaid increased, but we paid for those things by raising the tax rate on the wealthiest 2% of Californians. We actually reduced taxes on 98% of the residents of my state. The choice is one of experience and values. My experience is that of a leader with results, Senator Dole has been in Washington for decades. I've balanced budgets, cut taxes, and invested in education, infrastructure, and health care. Senator Dole voted against medicare, against the Department of Education, against expanding affordable health care, and against funding for environmental protection" - Jerry Brown

"One thing we desperately need in America today is welfare reform. If you are able to work, you should either be working, looking for a job, or in a training program if you want to receive welfare. Fifteen Democrats joined with the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate in voting for welfare reform, and over forty house Democrats joined with the House Republicans in doing the same. This President vetoed welfare reform, I'll make it a top priority to sign that bill into law. We ought to be encouraging work in America. My opponent resisted efforts to reform welfare in California and when asked about the bill the President vetoed two days after he did so, my opponent refused to take a position. I have been a consistent leader on this issue" - Bob Dole

"Senator Dole has mischaracterized my position on welfare. First of all, I didn't resist welfare reform in California. Nationally, welfare rolls went up by roughly 32% in 1982 - they went up 29% in California. That was during a recession, but the point is, I didn't resist welfare reform. The fact is, the concept of welfare reform was popularized by Governor Tom Kean, Republican of New Jersey. Senator, you and I hold the same position on welfare. A month after the President vetoed the legislation, I said I'd have signed it into law. In my first interview after announcing I was running for President against this President, I cited welfare as a reason why" - Jerry Brown

"My top priority as President of the United States will be to revive this economy. Reducing taxes, reducing spending, opening up our markets to foreign goods, and returning power to states will help us get there. Secondly, restoring American leadership in the world will be a priority of mine. That means strengthening our military and driving Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait using crippling sanctions and if need be, force, but I don't anticipate using force. I want to be the President to restore our economy and our moral authority in the world. My opponent comes from the far left in American politics, he believes government is the answer. I believe in the strength of the American people" - Bob Dole

"Bob Dole is an honorable man who has served America well, but he believes in bringing us back to a different era, and that tax cuts for the ultra-rich will grow our economy. I believe in investing in our people. My top priorities as President will be to grow the economy, reform the welfare system, make sure every American has health care, make sure we have clean air and water, and ensure that we don't get ourselves into unfair trade agreements such as NAFTA that my opponent supports because his long time corporate allies and contributors support it for the purposes of exploiting cheap labor. We need to focus on the people, not the politicians and special interests and that's what brings me to this presidential race" - Jerry Brown

October 9, 1992 - Wilder, Gregg debate issues in Vice Presidential Debate
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"Washington D.C. is broken and it's going to take outsiders to fix it. The economy we have today is a consequence of policies from Washington. First, they cut taxes for the very rich and deregulated Wall Street. Then, under this administration, they slashed funding for education and veterans benefits. Governor Brown and I don't believe we have to choose between middle class tax increases and cutting spending on key programs. We believe in making investments in those areas crucial to our national interests like education, health care, the environment, and our infrastructure - but we also believe in slowing the growth in spending by the federal government to balance the budget and reduce the national debt" - Douglas Wilder

"The dominant issue in this campaign is the economy because half a million Americans have lost their jobs and wages have fallen for the past 27 months. Bob Dole and I plan to cut taxes, reduce federal spending, open up our markets to foreign goods, and improve our education system by allowing for local control because we believe short and long term economic growth depends on these types of policies. Our opponents believe that by creating a $500 billion budget gap and spending money on things which won't impact our economy one way or the other, we'll grow. Senator Dole fought for the Reagan tax cuts which led to 16 million jobs. I cut taxes across the board in New Hampshire, and our state ranks 7th in job growth. Governor Brown raised taxes several times in California and he left office with the slowest job growth in 12 years. Governor Wilder just this year raised taxes by $700 million, and Virginia ranks 19th in job growth - down from 15th when he took office" - Judd Gregg

"Since I've been Governor, state spending has fallen to it's lowest levels in 8 years, poverty has been cut by 10%, I'm one of only three Governors today to preside over a drop in welfare rolls, and crime is down 70% in my state. Governor Gregg has the most property crime in 40 years, the largest state debt in his state's history, and welfare rolls are up 7% between 1990 and the present. But, look, voters face a clear choice on these issues and others. The economy is starting to rebound, in fact we added more jobs last month than at any time since 1988. The question is, where do we go from here? Jerry Brown and I have said our priority will be to pass a budget which gets balanced within 2 years while making investments in local aid to education, the national highway system, health care for the poor and women, and environmental cleanup. We want to create tax credits for expanding companies. We want to reform welfare and pass real gun control" - Douglas Wilder

"One of the defining issues in this campaign is education. Senator Dole and I want to block-grant education funding to the states and cut the federal Department of Education by 98%. We believe that education is best left to local districts and parents, not Washington bureaucrats. In California, Governor Brown doubled the size of his state's Department of Education and created more testing and mandates for schools - taking control away from local districts. He's proposing the same thing today, which will double education spending in five years and increase the size of the education bureaucracy in Washington." - Judd Gregg

"One area we have not addressed as a nation is crime. In 1979, Governor Brown led the effort to ban assault weapons on the streets of California. As a result, by 1982, California saw it's lowest violent crime rate in 40 years. Governor Brown also increased the number of police by 17,000. In Virginia, we are cracking down on the use of drugs and on gangs - our crime rate this year fell by more than a third. We will lead an effort at the federal level to ban assault weapons, make selling drugs to juveniles a federal crime with mandatory sentencing of 20 years or more, and we will increase funding for local police with a goal of adding 50,000 police to our streets by the year 1998 - a $30 billion commitment over the next 6 years" - Douglas Wilder

October 19, 1992 - Dole, Brown debate foreign policy
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"In Kuwait, I was - along with John McCain and Democrat Al Gore - one of the first members of the senate to call for crippling sanctions and if need be, force against Saddam Hussein to drive the Iraqis out of Kuwait immediately. It is not in our national security interests to allow a brutal dictator to take over another country. Saddam has voiced hatred towards the United States. I will, as President, fight for U.N. sanctions towards Saddam Hussein. We can't recognize, under any circumstances, Saddam Hussein as a legitimate leader in Kuwait. In answer to your question, I don't believe we will have to use force against Saddam, but I won't rule anything out in dealing with him" - Bob Dole

"The fact of the matter is, I disagree with Senator Dole in saying we won't need to use military force. Saddam Hussein is a murderer, a madman, and he needs to be stopped from spreading his rein of terror further. As President, I would strongly consider intervening to drive him out of Kuwait and if need be, overthrowing him from power in Iraq. But, I will agree with the Senator that we first need to try crippling sanctions. We need to get him out of Kuwait and fight to help freedom-loving Iraqis overthrow his regime in Iraq. I stood up and spoke out against military action in Vietnam and Lebanon because I believe we need to refrain from getting involved in foreign conflicts which aren't in our national security interests or where humanitarian interests are a non-issue. But, this situation is a humanitarian situation and one where our national security interests are at stake" - Jerry Brown

"Part of the reason I said I'd go back to 1989 spending levels is because I'll curb spending here at home, but I believe that we need to restore the $40 billion the President cut from our military and the $7 billion he slashed from veterans benefits. This administration has presided over the first cut in our defense spending in 4 decades, and my opponent praised the President for his 1989 budget. The military today is 15,000 men and women smaller than it was in 1989 - the first reduction in our armed forces since World War I. My opponent applauded this cut. I believe America must always have the strongest military with the best equipment, and that will be a priority of mine as President" - Bob Dole

"Under President Reagan, we increased the size of our military to a fiscally unsustainable level. What I have said is this President cut too much too fast. I wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times dated March 1, 1989 that I would cut $5 billion per year from the defense budget for 10 years and that the cuts should be from overseas bases, not troop levels or in some cases, troop pay. As President, I have said that I will not reduce troop levels anymore and that any cuts I make would be from overseas bases, but I can tell you that with Saddam Hussein in Kuwait, that's unlikely to happen. Secondly, I opposed the President's cuts to veterans pensions strongly and I will restore those cuts if elected. Senator Dole has voted to increase defense spending by $3 trillion during his career, my plan would simply slow the growth of the defense budget by around 5%" - Jerry Brown

October 27, 1992 - In final debate, Brown and Dole making closing arguments to Americans
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"My fellow Americans, this election offers you a clear choice between two very different visions of the future. In the U.S. Senate, Bob Dole has voted against the Department of Education, medicare, food stamps for the very poor, medicaid expansion for the working poor, and for a free trade agreement which puts the manufacturing sector at risk. As Governor, I reduced taxes, balanced budgets, took on crime, invested in education, health care, environmental protection, and our roads. It's that model I'll follow as President. We need to invest in these things while balancing the budget at the federal level to create new jobs, restore fiscal responsibility to government, and to set ourselves up for long term growth and progress. President Dukakis has done some good things, but he's also made a series of mistakes. The question isn't one of partisanship, it's one of who can lead with the ability to empower the American people. It's time to stop the special interests in Washington from always getting their way and it's time to simply govern. Bob Dole and his party have received millions from big tobacco and the oil industry this election. My money comes from individuals. It's why as President, I'll fight to ban assault weapons since I'm not getting money from the NRA. It's why I'll change the campaign funding system to make it one which is accountable. It's why I'll strengthen laws against large corporations which pollute our air and water. If your ready to change Washington, then I'm asking for your vote" - Jerry Brown

"The American people deserve an experienced President who's had to make tough decisions. I've made tough decisions, decisions of war and peace, both as a young man, a congressman, and a senator. I led the fight for the renewal of the military under President Reagan, I fought for the Reagan tax cuts, I fought to improve veteran's health care, and I've forced this President to cut the deficit in half in order to balance the federal budget by the year 1993. I have the experience and the judgement to lead America, and I know the American people have the will to restore our nation's promise. As President, I will reduce taxes and balance the budget. I will reform our welfare system to reward work. I will return power back to the state's. I will sign NAFTA into law to create 1.2 million jobs. Governor Brown doubled state spending and increased the size of government in California. He's a good man, but he believes in the power of the almighty government. I believe in the people of America because I've seen the genius of America during this campaign and during my service in the U.S. Senate and congress. I was born in the heartland of America to a modest family. I understand the true spirit of America comes from Main Street, not Washington D.C. But Americans need a President who will protect their interests in Washington. I've done it for the past 30 years, and I plan on protecting the people's interests for another 4 or 8. The failures of the past 4 years have simply been a detour to renewed economic growth and military might. With your help, we will restore the American dream. Thank You, and I'm asking for your vote in this election" - Bob Dole

ELECTION 1992 - BROWN ELECTED PRESIDENT, GOP KEEPS CONGRESS
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WASHINGTON, DC - At 1:23 p.m. EST, the Associated Press declared that Democratic Presidential Nominee Jerry Brown was elected President of the United States along with Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Douglas Wilder, who will serve as the first african-american Vice President. "You have defied the special interests and voted for a new direction for our country. The American people have proven tonight that a dark horse can still be a rising star" Brown told supporters at his campaign HQ in Sacramento, CA. Meanwhile, in Arlington, VA, Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole and running-mate Judd Gregg conceded the election moments before Brown accepted victory. "I am so honored and humbled to be able to have been the nominee of our party for President. Although we lost the election for President, our mission to fight for our nation's interests continues. I wish the President-elect and the Vice President-Elect nothing but success" Dole told supporters. Though the Democrats won the White House, Republicans maintained control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The GOP did lose one seat they were hoping to maintain in the U.S. Senate, with Democrat Lynn Yeakel defeating Incumbent Republican Arlen Specter 50%-49% in Pennsylvania. In the U.S. House, Republicans gained three seats.

Jerry Brown / Douglas Wilder (D) 52% 298 EV
Bob Dole / Judd Gregg (R) 47% 240 EV
Other 1%
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Key events of the Brown administration, January 20, 1993 - January 1, 1995
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-January 20, 1993 - Jerry Brown is sworn in as President of the United States as Douglas Wilder becomes the first african-american Vice President
-January 28, 1993 - Jerry Brown proposes his first budget, which increases funding for local aid to education, expands medicaid for 4 million Americans, and invests $10 billion for infrastructure projects. The budget also restored funding for veteran's benefits. By slashing funding for federal subsidies towards farms, oil, and "pork barrel" projects, the budget spent the same amount as the previous year's federal budget
-February 3, 1993 - Led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Republicans vote down President Brown's budget.
February 17, 1993 - President Brown signs into law the Small Business Investment Act, giving tax credits for business hiring more than 2 employees.
-March 1, 1993 - President Brown and Speaker Newt Gingrich announce a budget compromise which invests $30 billion in aid to local education, increased funding for infrastructure, and gives state's more flexibility over medicaid. The budget also cuts federal subsidies by a third and block-grants medicaid. The budget agreement balances the budget immediately, eliminates the deficit in two years, and reduces the national debt from $7 trillion to $4.5 trillion over a decade
- June 27, 1993 - President Brown, with congressional approval, announces that he will deploy troops to Kuwait to drive Saddam Hussein out
- December 18, 1993 - After successfully driving Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, President Brown announces he will withdrawal American forces despite Republican calls to topple the Hussein regime in Iraq
- January 15, 1994 - President Brown vetoes a Republican bill calling on the President to sign NAFTA
- January 19, 1994 - President Brown signs Welfare Reform into law, requiring work or job training to be able to receive benefits
- March 2, 1994 - Congressional Republicans vote down a Brown proposal to implement a "toxic waste tax" on corporations which release toxic chemicals during manufacturing
- April 4, 1994 - Congressional Republicans vote down a proposal by President Brown to increase taxes by 5% on the wealthiest 2% of Americans in order to generate a budget surplus by 1996
- May 1, 1994 - President Brown signs into law the first limits on campaign contributions by corporations and lobbyists. 14 Senate Republicans and 102 House Republicans voted for the bill
- July 17, 1994 - President Brown signs into law a ban on military-style assault weapons. The highly controversial bill passed the U.S. Senate 53-47 and the House 230-195.
- November 4, 1994 - Republicans maintain control of both houses of congress

January 2, 1995 - Dan Quayle enters 1996 Republican Presidential Race
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IOWA CITY, IA - Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana, the 1988 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, announced he would be a candidate for President in the 1996 election. "What I see in America today is an ideologically left-wing President who refuses to recognize the mainstream in American politics. Educational test scores in our schools fell last year for the first time since Jimmy Carter was President. The President has signed into law a bills which have chipped away at your constitutional rights to freedom of expression and right to keep and bear arms. The President has vetoed legislation cutting your taxes. I believe it's time for us to reclaim our conservative values. We need to stand up for our God given rights, the rights our forefathers recognized and it's time to build a brighter future for our children, and so I announce today that I'm a candidate for President of the United States" Quayle stated.

January 23, 1995 - Kean to run for President
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DOVER, NH - Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean, who ran for President in 1992, announced his second run for President. "Today, I'm announcing that I will be a candidate for President of the United States. I believe above all else, our country needs unity. We need to courage and the conviction to move our people towards the next decade. My mission, our mission, must be to change government and the way business is done in Washington. We should start by reducing taxes, holding the line on spending, implementing NAFTA, saving social security and medicare, and restoring America's standing as a world superpower" Kean told supporters.

January 28, 1995 - Keyes running for President
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BALTIMORE, MD - Former Ambassador Alan Keyes announced he would seek the 1996 Republican Presidential Nomination. "I'm running for President to eliminate the income tax, stand up for your second amendment rights, and reclaim the moral high ground we've lost under Presidents Brown and Dukakis. Together, we must be willing to take on the political establishment and stand up for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" Keyes stated.

February 19, 1995 - Dole running in '96
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RUSSELL, KS - Former Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole declared she would be a Republican Presidential Candidate in the 1996 election. "I'm announcing today that I will be a candidate for President in 1996. I'm running because President Brown has made government larger and less efficient. He's federalized education, health care, and other areas best left up to states. He's made our tax code more complicated when we should focus on reducing taxes and making our tax code simple and fair. To me, this campaign is about returning power back to states, more reliance on the free market, and making government smaller and more effective" Dole told supporters.

April 5, 1995 - Grassley in for '96
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DES MOINES, IA - Senator Chuck Grassley declared his intention to run for President in 1996. "The Republican Party needs at least one candidate to stand up and defend farmers, ranchers, and small business in this country. We need a President who will say no to NAFTA which hurts working Americans. The Republican Party needs a leader who will stand up for the middle class, and that's why I'm running for President in 1996" Grassley declared.

May 4, 1995 - Boehner running for President
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LEBANON, OH - Republican Conference Leader John Boehner announced he would be a candidate for President in 1996. "When Americans needed  leaders to stop raising taxes on business, they looked to Republicans in congress and we won. When Americans needed leaders to prevent the President from increasing our nation's deficits, they looked to Republicans in congress and we won. When Americans needed leaders to stop the President from appointing liberal activist judges, they looked to Republicans in congress and we won. We need a leader who can win for the people of America, someone who will work with congress, and I believe I have that ability - and so I'm running for President" Boehner stated.

June 2, 1995 - Poll: Kean, Dole, Quayle all front-runners
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Tom Kean 31%
Elizabeth Dole 30%
Dan Quayle 29%
Alan Keyes 5%
Chuck Grassley 3%
John Boehner 1%
Other 1%

June 24, 1995 - Quayle puts forth 5-point 100 days presidential agenda
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HILLSBOROUGH, SC - Senator Dan Quayle, running for the Republican Presidential Nomination, put forth a 5-point plan as to what his first 100 days as President would look like. Quayle said he would push for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, end the current income tax and replace it with a 15% flat tax above $45,000 per year, repeal President Brown's assault weapon ban, push for a ban on partial-birth abortion, sign NAFTA into law, and push to increase the size of the U.S. military by 20,000 over 4 years. "Today, our economy struggles to grow, our people are seeing less take-home pay, our values are being eroded, and our military is still suffering from the budgetary cuts of the past seven years" Quayle concluded. Americans deserve a President who has a track record of fighting this President and proposing better ideas for the future" he added.

July 1, 1995 - Giuliani, Thompson, Gregg endorse Tom Kean for President
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MANCHESTER, NH - Governor of New Hampshire and 1992 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Judd Gregg, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Governor of Wisconsin Tommy Thompson endorsed Tom Kean for President in the 1996 election. All cited Kean's fiscal conservatism and ability to win as reasons for their support.

July 15, 1995 - Robertson, social conservatives rally to Quayle
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DES MOINES, IA - Pat Robertson and other social conservative activists flocked to Iowa to endorse Dan Quayle 1996 presidential bid. Amongst those supporting Quayle are the National Right to Life, socially conservative Senators Orin Hatch of Utah and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and activist Gary Bauer. Quayle and Alan Keyes are the only two candidates who have said making partial-birth abortion a federal crime would be top priorities of theirs if elected.

July 23, 1995 - Dole talks priorities in speech to young people
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ANN ARBOR, MI - Speaking to a crowd at Michigan, GOP Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Dole said her priorities if elected President would be block-granting health care, education, and infrastructure to the state's, securing the southern U.S. border, and raising standards in education. Dole also said cracking down on drug use would be a priority of hers. "Drug use is on the rise, test scores have remained flat, and the federal government has seen it's power and size increase, we need to reverse the failures of the past several years" Dole stated.

August 1, 1995 - Kean lays out presidential agenda during New Hampshire appearance
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LEBANON, NH - Running for the Republican Presidential Nomination, Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean spoke to supporters about his priorities if elected President. Kean said he was sticking to his tax cut plan similar to that from the 1992 campaign - eliminate income taxes on those earning less than $75,000 per year, cut income taxes by 20% for those earning less than $500,000 per year, reduce the capital gains tax by 10% across the board, and reduce the corporate business tax from 39% to 30%. The full tax cut, which would cost $1.2 trillion by the year 2007, would be phased in over a three year period and would be paid for by closing tax loopholes and federal tax subsidies. Kean also promised to block-grant medicaid, create private accounts for social security while means-testing the program and raising the retirement age by three years, and he pledged to create various options for seniors as it relates to medicare. Kean also promised to fight for a constitutional balanced budget amendment and increase defense spending by $50 billion over a decade to increase the size of the U.S military to Reagan-era levels.

August 10, 1995 - Quayle narrowly wins Ames, IA Straw Poll
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Dan Quayle 1,805
Chuck Grassley 1,762
Tom Kean 777
Elizabeth Dole 704
Alan Keyes 102
John Boehner 98

August 23, 1995 - Grassley puts forth vision during TV appearance
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WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, seeking the GOP Presidential Nomination, put forth his full platform during an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live. Grassley said he would re-visit all free trade agreements to make sure they were being properly enforced, he'd restore cuts to farm aid, and he would fight to repeal Jerry Brown's ban on assault weapons.

September 2, 1995 - GOP Candidates hold first Debate of '96 campaign season
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"This election is about setting ourselves up to grow our economy, help our middle class prosper, and protect our national interests going forward. In order to grow the economy, I've proposed major tax relief on individual and small business income in addition to large business and capital gains up to $500,000, signing NAFTA into law, and balancing the budget while pushing for a constitutional amendment to do so. I've also said I'll fight to save medicare, medicaid, and social security by means testing those programs, giving state's more flexibility over medicaid by block-granting it, and creating more options for both medicare and social security. Additionally, I've called for an increase in the size of the U.S. military and for investing in human intelligence to keep the peace. As a Governor, I confronted high levels of taxation, flaws in our education system, a failing welfare system, and a divided state. I believe it's important for leaders to set an agenda and then work with the public and elected officials to unite behind common ideals, and that's what I intend to do as your next President" - Tom Kean

"For far too long, politicians in Washington D.C. have felt every problem should be solved at the federal level and that Washington knows best. I believe it's time we reject Jerry Brown's radical left wing agenda and give state's back their powers over education, health care, and infrastructure projects. I think it's time we had a President who actually focused on giving state's the tools to crack down on illegal drug use by increasing aid to state's for the purpose of hiring more police and for community anti-drug programs. I think we should also make it a federal crime to sell drugs to minors with a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years. President Brown has presided over the largest increase in the size of government in a generation, more federal spending on domestic programs since the Great Society, and a 77% increase in drug use in our inner-cities. We need to shrink the size of the federal government and crack down on the epidemic of illegal drug use, and that's what brings me to this presidential race" - Elizabeth Dole

"American's are going to face a choice in this election. President Brown has declared war on morality, war on the free market, and he has weakened America's standing in the international community by refusing to sign NAFTA and by refusing to support efforts to promote freedom across the world. In the United States Senate, I've been one of the strongest opponents of this President and I'm trying to win this nomination to win next year because I believe in the enduring American values which have sustained us throughout our history. I am pro-life and believe in traditional family values, I believe that lower taxes and fewer regulations leads to greater economic growth, I oppose any effort to curb your first and second amendment rights, and I will fight for strict constructionist judges as President. I also understand foreign policy and have served on the senate foreign relations committee for five years, this President still doesn't seem to understand the world we live in. Simply put, I'm the conservative who can win in this race" - Dan Quayle

"Tom Kean and Elizabeth Dole have both called for reductions in federal subsidies of all types. The price of oil would increase by 15% without federal oil subsidies, the cost of corn would go up 120%, the cost of operating a farm would go up 30%, and the cost of food - on average - would increase by as much as 15% overnight if we were to eliminate all federal subsidies. Plus, they want to sign NAFTA into law which would out 500,000 jobs at risk. What we need is a Republican candidate for President who will stand up for working men and women in America. We need to support farmers, ranchers, and small businesses through the tax code. President Brown's solution has been to cut subsidies from some industries, but he's willing to give money to others. I don't think that's right, it should be an equal playing field. What we need in the next President of the United States is someone who respects farmers, small business folks, manufacturers, the backbone of our economy and country. That's the path not only to victory in 1996, but to long term prosperity which everyone up here claims to want" - Chuck Grassley

"In the past two presidential election cycles, we tried nominated establishment-supported, moderate candidates for President only to fall short. Tom Kean and Elizabeth Dole represent the moderate wing of our party, they both have considerable support by the party establishment. But, I'm running a grassroots campaign on conservative ideas - I'm willing to say what others aren't. Ban abortion, eliminate the federal income tax, abolish the Department of Education, make medicare a voucher program, and privatize social security over time. Jerry Brown is a failed President because he has had no purpose while in office. He ran against the political establishment in 1992 only to become the political establishment. He ran on big ideas, but has now become one of the biggest disappointments in our history. What do we have after 3 years of Jerry Brown? More drug use, leftist activist judges, a larger federal bureaucracy, stagnant wages, and job growth that's 25% smaller than it was when Ronald Reagan was President. It's time for a change and for a President who is blunt and honest with the American people about what's needed to make America stronger" - Alan Keyes

"In 1990, the American people rejected President Dukakis and his liberal agenda. Last year, they rejected President Brown and his liberal agenda. The reason we have a balanced budget, welfare reform, and tax credits for small business is because Republicans in congress have stood strong against the liberal's agenda and won. I'm proud to be part of that Republican governing majority. I seek the presidency to get the job done completely. With me as President and Newt Gingrich as Speaker, we can change our tax code, finally get NAFTA to be the law of the land, do even more to reform welfare, solve problems associated with medicare and medicaid, and not only balance the budget - but pay down the national debt. I am proud to run on the Congressional Republican agenda in this election, an agenda which has led to the creation of 1.2 million jobs since 1992 and an agenda which has balanced the budget and reformed welfare. President Brown will try and take credit for those successes, but we forced him into passing policies which led to these successes. The 1996 election is a referendum on the Republicans in Congress, and I suspect the American people will vote for me and say yes to our positive, pro-growth record and agenda" - John Boehner

September 15, 1995 - President Brown launches re-election bid in prime-time televised address
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Jerry Brown announced his intention to seek re-election as President during a prime-time television address from the oval office. "Four years ago, during a time of economic recession, world turmoil, and division here at home, I announced that I would challenge the political establishment and seek this office. I won and during the course of these past years, I've worked with Republicans and Democrats to get things done for the American people. We've balanced budgets, reduced taxes on small businesses, invested in our roads, helped provide over 4 million Americans with health care, increased local aid to education, and stopped a brutal regime from spreading into Kuwait. While we've turned the corner, our work is not yet done. So, tonight, I am declaring that I will seek a second term as President of the United States" Brown stated.

September 28, 1995 - In speech, Alan Keyes promises a "revival of conservatism"
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LANSING, MI - Claiming he's the only "true conservative" seeking the presidency of the United States, Former Ambassador Alan Keyes promised a "revival of conservatism" if he becomes the nominee of the Republican Party for President. Keyes said that if nominated and elected, he would push to ban abortion, repeal the assault weapon ban President Brown signed into law, repeal the campaign finance reform legislation President Brown signed into law, eliminate the federal income tax, and he would abolish the federal Department of Education. "We aren't going to win this election by having the nominee of our party move left, we are going to win this election by convincing the American people to move right like they did in 1980 and 1984" Keyes stated.

October 4, 1995 - Boehner wins backing of House Colleagues, Promises to continue "GOP revolution"
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WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker Newt Gingrich and House Majority Leader Dick Armey endorsed Republican Conference Leader John Boehner's 1996 presidential bid, citing Boehner's key role as part of the GOP leadership. Boehner promised he'd pursue the Republican Majority's agenda of cutting the capital gains tax, passing a constitutional balanced budget amendment, block-granting food stamps to states, and reducing the size of government to 1980 levels via attrition.

October 20, 1995 - Despite negativity in early states, Kean insists he can win being positive
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DOVER, NH - Republican Presidential Hopeful Tom Kean told reporters he would be the Republican nominee for President and would win the election with a positive message. "People would much rather hear about how I plan to promote economic growth, save medicare and social security, balance the budget, save our schools, and protect this country as opposed to my negative views about anyone else" Kean stated. In recent days, opponents began piling on Kean. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana began attacking Kean as a "moderate," citing Kean's support of abortion rights and federal background checks. Mean while, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa accused Kean of being a "tool of the special interests" by supporting NAFTA. Former Ambassador Alan Keyes began attacking Kean as too moderate and part of the political establishment.

November 1, 1995 - Polls good news for Kean, Dole
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WASHINGTON, DC - A national survey found that GOP presidential hopefuls Tom Kean and Elizabeth Dole were polling well ahead of the rest of the candidates nationally and in key early states. Nation wide, Kean and Dole tied at 35%, followed by Dan Quayle at 19%, John Boehner at 6%, Alan Keyes at 3%, Chuck Grassley at 1%, and "other" at 1%. In Iowa, Elizabeth Dole narrowly leads Dan Quayle, 30%-29%, with Chuck Grassley in third at 19%. In New Hampshire, Tom Kean leads Elizabeth Dole 50%-29%. In South Carolina, Elizabeth Dole has 33%, with Dan Quayle and Tom Kean tied at 25% in second place. Michigan voters prefer Kean, who leads Dole 34%-30% with Quayle at 20%. The survey also found Dole leading Kean 42%-35% with Republicans, but Kean leading Dole 42%-30% with independents.

November 15, 1995 - Brown hits Kean at Florida Event
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - President Jerry Brown attacked one of his potential 1996 presidential rivals while at a campaign stop in southern Florida. "Tom Kean believes that we should weaken medicare and medicaid while giving the largest corporations in America a huge tax break. He believes that medicaid is a program which the state's should take care of, that would hurt state budgets and increase your property taxes. While he's raising your property taxes, he's cutting the tax rate on large businesses from 39% down to 30%. That's not fiscally responsible" Brown stated.

November 30, 1995 - Governors back Kean for President
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CHARLESTON, SC - Governors George W. Bush of Texas, Christie Todd Whitman of New Jersey, George Pataki of New York, Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania, Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, and David Beasley of South Carolina endorsed Tom Kean's 1996 presidential bid. The Governor's all cited Kean's experience as a Governor, his tax cut proposal, his call to reform social security, medicare, and medicaid, and his position on education as reasons for the endorsement.

December 2, 1995 - A month ahead of Iowa, Dole goes after Kean
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DES MOINES, IA - Former Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole, seeking the 1996 Republican Presidential Nomination, attacked opponent Tom Kean on the campaign trail in Iowa. "Governor Kean is a good man, but I believe that nominating a pro-choice moderate who supports President Brown's position on campaign finance reform is a mistake for our party" Dole said of Kean.

December 21, 1995 - National Poll: Kean leads, nation divided over Brown
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GOP Presidential Nomination
Tom Kean 31%
Elizabeth Dole 25%
Dan Quayle 25%
Chuck Grassley 9%
Alan Keyes 5%
John Boehner 3%
Other 2%

President Brown Approval
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 47%

General Election Match-Ups

Tom Kean 49%
Jerry Brown 38%

Jerry Brown 46%
Elizabeth Dole 44%

Jerry Brown 48%
Dan Quayle 44%

Jerry Brown 61%
Alan Keyes 27%

December 18, 1995 - REPORT: Perot to run as independent in '96
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WASHINGTON, DC - Rumors began circulating that Ross Perot, a billionaire businessman from Texas, would seek the presidency in 1996 as an independent candidate. Perot had considered such a presidential bid in 1992, but declined to run. It was reported that Perot hired an independent pollster. Perot has been involved in politics; he supported Governor George W. Bush of Texas in 1994, and gave money to Bush that year, as well as to Democratic Presidential Hopeful Gary Hart in 1988. Perot spoke out against NAFTA, but was critical of President Jerry Brown's budgets, arguing they spent too much.

January 2, 1996 - Ross Perot running for President as an Independent
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NEW BOSTON, TX - Independent Ross Perot, a Texas businessman, declared he would be a candidate for President in the 1996 presidential election. "For far too long, politicians in Washington have ignored three fundamental truths. One, that we are losing our manufacturing edge because of free trade agreements which aren't being enforced and a tax code which favors special interests as opposed to all manufacturers. Two, our campaign finance system allows large corporations to control two political parties which excludes more viewpoints. Three, the national debt continues to grow and threatens our economic well-being long term. It's for these reasons that I will run for President of the United States as an independent" Perot stated.

January 3, 1996 - Dole wins Iowa Caucus
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DES MOINES, IA - Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole won the 1996 Iowa Caucuses by a narrow margin. Dole beat Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa by 700 votes; each of them took roughly 30% of the vote. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana placed third with 18% of the vote, followed by Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean with 12%, Former Ambassador Alan Keyes with 6%, and Congressman John Boehner with 3%. Other candidates won 1%.

January 5, 1996 - Dole wins caucuses in Alaska, Louisiana
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BATON ROUGE, LA - Elizabeth Dole claimed victory in two more presidential contests. In Alaska, Dole garnered 50% of the vote, followed by Tom Kean with 20%, Dan Quayle with 14%, Chuck Grassley with 10%, Alan Keyes with 4%, John Boehner with 1%, and other candidates with 1%. In Louisiana, Dole won 30% of the vote, followed by Dan Quayle with 27%, Tom Kean with 25%, Alan Keyes with 10%, Chuck Grassley with 5%, John Boehner with 2%, and other candidates with 1%.

January 10, 1996 - Tom Kean wins New Hampshire Primary
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean won a decisive victory in the New Hampshire Primary. With 100% of the precincts reporting, Kean took 52% of the vote. Elizabeth Dole placed second with 22%, followed by Dan Quayle with 12%, Chuck Grassley with 6%, Alan Keyes with 4%, John Boehner with 2%, and other candidates with 1%.

January 12, 1996 - Bohener withdrawals from Presidential Race, backs Tom Kean for President
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WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman John Boehner announced he was ending his 1996 presidential campaign and would support Tom Kean for the Republican Presidential Nomination. "Tom Kean has promised to work with the Republican congress to advance the principles our party has stood for over the past two decades" Boehner said of Kean.

January 14, 1996 - Nationwide poll shows Perot impact
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Potential Match-Ups

Tom Kean 50%
Jerry Brown 44%
Ross Perot 5%

Jerry Brown 46%
Elizabeth Dole 45%
Ross Perot 7%

Jerry Brown 47%
Dan Quayle 40%
Ross Perot 11%

General Election Support for Perot
Independents 62%
Democrats 20%
Republicans 17%
Other 1%

Republicans Presidential Preference
Elizabeth Dole 34%
Tom Kean 28%
Dan Quayle 28%
Ross Perot 10%
Jerry Brown 1%

Democrats Presidential Preference
Jerry Brown 63%
Ross Perot 27%
Tom Kean 8%
Elizabeth Dole 1%
Dan Quayle 1%

Independents Presidential Preference
Tom Kean 35%
Ross Perot 25%
Jerry Brown 25%
Elizabeth Dole 10%
Dan Quayle 5%

January 17, 1996 - Kean wins primaries in Michigan, Delaware
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DOVER, DE - Republican Presidential Candidate Tom Kean secured victories in Michigan and Delaware. In Michigan, Kean won 32% of the vote, followed by Dan Quayle at 28%, Elizabeth Dole at 27%, Chuck Grassley at 10%, Alan Keyes at 2%, and other candidates with 1%. Kean also garnered 62% of the vote in Delaware, followed by Elizabeth Dole at 22%, Dan Quayle at 10%, Alan Keyes at 4%, Chuck Grassley at 1%, and other candidates at 1%.

January 19, 1996 - Grassley ends Presidential Bid, endorses Elizabeth Dole
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CHARLESTON, SC - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa ended his 1996 presidential campaign and endorsed Elizabeth Dole for President, calling Dole "the candidate with the experience to lead America."

January 21, 1996 - Perot calls for debt reduction, campaign finance reform while attacking both political parties
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LOUISVILLE, KY - Independent Presidential Candidate Ross Perot attacked both political parties for what he called "a failure of leadership and ideas" on government debt and campaign finance laws. Perot laid out a plan to reduce the national debt by $250 billion per year by reducing the federal workforce by 2% per year, freezing federal spending at 1996 levels for three years, eliminating corporate tax deductions, and eliminating all federal subsidies. Perot also called for a cap on political campaign contributions and full disclosure of all campaign funds to "give democracy back to the people." Perot also attacked both President Brown and GOP presidential candidates. "We have more debt today than ever before, and the President continues to increase spending to historic levels every year. Yet, in response, the Republicans propose tax breaks for the ultra-rich while they continue to allow the President to give money to politically connected groups, something he promised he'd stop in 1992" Perot stated.

January 24, 1996 - Kean wins Alaska Caucus as Dole wins South Carolina
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CHARLESTON, SC - Former Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole won South Carolina's presidential primary with 42% of the vote, followed by Dan Quayle with 35%, Tom Kean with 20%, Alan Keyes with 2%, and other candidates with 1%. In Alaska, Kean won 50% of the vote at the caucuses, with Dole in second with 30%, Quayle with 15%, and Keyes with 4%. Other candidates won 1%.

January 25, 1996 - Quayle ends presidential bid
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WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana ended his 1996 presidential campaign after placing third in both the popular vote and delegate count after early primaries.

January 27, 1996 - President Brown: I'm with Perot on campaign finance reform
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Jerry Brown said he supported the type of campaign finance reform opponent Ross Perot proposed. "During my state of the union address in 1994, I called for campaign finance reform. The type of reform Ross Perot has called for is what I support. Newt Gingrich and the Republicans in both houses need to get on board with this" the President stated.

January 29, 1996 - Ahead of Super Tuesday, candidates criss-cross the nation
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WASHINGTON, DC - With nine states voting on February 7, the three GOP presidential candidates criss-crossed the United States. Voters in New York, Connecticut, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota, and Ohio will have their say in the presidential primary process. Seeking to rally his base of fiscal conservatives, moderates, and independents, Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean campaigned in Ohio where he spoke about his tax cut plan and his support for a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget while reforming major entitlement programs. "My economic plan calls for tax reductions to strengthen the middle class and create jobs while encouraging investment in America. It's the largest tax relief in the history of the world. We'll also be a more competitive place to do business with a balanced budget. At the same time, my plan calls for reforming social security, medicare, and medicaid to ensure these programs survive and cost less while giving state's more flexibility and giving our seniors more choices" Kean told a Cleveland audience. Seeking to win over voters who were going to support Dan Quayle, Elizabeth Dole began emphasizing social issues while in Georgia. She also went after Tom Kean. "I will be a President who will stop Washington D.C. from becoming the center of American power by returning power back to states. But, at the same time, I will defend the pro-life position as described by our forefathers. My opponent says he's personally pro-life, but doesn't believe government should tell people how to live. He's right that government shouldn't tell people how to run their lives, but there is right and wrong in this world and protecting life is right" Dole said. Meanwhile, in Buffalo, NY, Former Ambassador Alan Keyes told voters 1996 would be the year of the conservative. "They are telling us we are too conservative and that a candidate who served under Reagan and wants to return power to the people by ending the income tax and the Department of Education can't win, but I can tell you, this year is the year of the conservative, and we conservatives will prevail despite what the liberal media and liberal establishment says" Keyes stated.

February 2, 1996 - Poll: Kean GOP front-runner
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Tom Kean 45%
Elizabeth Dole 40%
Alan Keyes 12%
Other 3%

February 5, 1996 - Speaker Gingrich proposes tax cut package to stimulate economic growth
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WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker Newt Gingrich, joined by other congressional leaders, announced a House Republican tax cut package to promote economic growth. "Our economy is stagnant because the President has made doing business harder with more regulations and a failure to support free trade. We hope he'll join us in at least supporting tax relief to grow the economy" Gingrich stated. The tax cut plan created a flat 8% capital gains tax rate, established a $700 per-child tax credit, reduced the bottom income tax rate from 15% to 12%, and created a "small business tax rate" of 12% so small businesses which paid the individual tax rate could see a reduction. 12 senate Democrats and 50 house Democrats voted for the measure.

February 7, 1996 - Kean wins 7 primaries as Dole wins 2
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NEW YORK, NY - GOP Presidential Hopeful Tom Kean won presidential contests in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, Oregon, and Ohio as Elizabeth Dole secured victories in North Dakota and Mississippi.

February 8, 1996 - GOP candidates, Perot take position on GOP House tax cut
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WASHINGTON, DC - GOP Presidential Candidates and Independent Presidential Hopeful Ross Perot voiced their position on the House Republican Tax Cut package. Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean said he thought it was " a step in the right direction" but that more tax relief was needed to grow the economy. "I stand by my tax cut plan which cuts taxes on all income tax payers and eliminates the income tax on working people while cutting both the capital gains tax and the corporate tax. Certainly, the Gingrich tax plan is a step in the right direction, but my plan would do even more to help the economy" Kean stated. Former Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole, who was often criticized for not being specific on tax policy, endorsed the plan. "I commend Speaker Gingrich and others for working to come up with a tax plan to help grow the economy and if elected President, I would fight for and sign into law this plan or another plan to help reduce the tax burden on the American people" she stated. Former Ambassador Alan Keyes attacked the plan as not going far enough. "As long as the income tax remains in place, we won't have true economic freedom and so this plan is really just a continuation of the status-quo" Keyes stated. Businessman Ross Perot said he was opposed to the House GOP tax plan because it wasn't paid for. "How does Newt Gingrich plan on paying for a $500 billion tax cut? I'd veto this plan because he has no answer to that question" Perot stated.

February 12, 1996 - President Brown vetoes GOP tax plan, says the economy is improving
WASHINGTON, DC - President Jerry Brown vetoed the House Republican tax cut plan and said he wouldn't be cutting taxes because of the size of the deficit and an improved economy. "Since I took office, we've already delivered tax relief to small businesses and we've seen the creation of nearly 2 million jobs - I don't think we should pass a $500 billion tax cut when we face a $300 billion deficit next year" Brown stated.

February 14, 1996 - Kean wins contests in Arizona, New Jersey, and Wisconsin
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PARSIPPANY, NJ - GOP Presidential Hopeful Tom Kean secured victories in Arizona, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. In Arizona, he garnered 45% of the vote, followed by Elizabeth Dole with 42% and Alan Keyes with 10%. In his home state of New Jersey, Kean won 77% of the vote, followed by Dole with 15% and Keyes with 6%. In Wisconsin, Kean beat Dole 47%-35%, with Keyes in a distant third with 15%.

February 17, 1996 - President Brown, Congress disagree over funding of the federal government as revenue falls short of projections
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WASHINGTON, DC - After weeks of negotiations between President Brown and congressional leaders, the President and congress disagreed about how to fund the federal government through 1997. Although both sides agreed on a budget agreement for 1996, Brown warned congress than the country faced a $300 billion deficit in 1997. "We are facing a deficit because revenue projections have been slightly off. Speaker Gingrich and his party have been unwilling to consider asking wealthier Americans to pay just five percent more in taxes" Brown stated. House Speaker Newt Gingrich saw the situation differently. "Two years ago, the President signed into law a bi-partisian bill which sought to cut the deficit by this year and the debt, and we've done that. But, we now face the first deficit since 1992 if we don't act. House Republicans have now voted three times to increase local aid to education and for road repairs, we've increased that funding by 15% since 1994 - it's now time to freeze that spending, and it's time not only to cut subsidies which we've done, but to eliminate them.

February 19, 1996 - Dole ends Presidential Bid, endorses Tom Kean
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WASHINGTON, DC - Ahead of voting in California, Florida, and Indiana, Former Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole ended her 1996 presidential bid and endorsed Tom Kean for President. "Tom Kean has the experience to lead America into the new millennium. Our nation deserves a President who will lead with integrity and purpose, and I know Tom Kean is that leader" Dole stated.

February 24, 1996 - After wins in Florida, California, and Indiana, Tom Kean secures GOP Nomination for President, Keyes concedes defeat
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BOCA RATON, FL - After garnering more than 80% of the votes cast in California, Florida, and Indiana, Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean won the necessary delegates to claim victory in the GOP Presidential Primary. "I am honored and humbled by the support of my fellow citizens to represent the Republican Party in this election. Together, we will unite the American public behind a positive vision to shake things up in Washington. Our vision of reducing taxes to promote economic growth, encouraging free markets through free trade, reforming programs like social security, medicare, and medicaid, reforming education, strengthening our military and veteran's programs, and passing a constitutional balanced budget amendment has resonated with the American people" Kean stated. Former Ambassador Alan Keyes conceded the GOP Presidential Nomination and congratulated Tom Kean, but he declined to endorse Kean as the nominee of the Republican Party.

March 1, 1996 - President Brown lays out second term agenda
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DOVER, NH - Speaking to supporters, President Jerry Brown laid out his second term agenda. "Over the past four years, we've increased funding for local aid to education and infrastructure, cleaned up over 100 environmental waste sites, reformed the campaign finance system, expanded health care for 4 million Americans, and balanced budget" the President stated. Brown said in a second term, he would push for stricter limits on campaign contributions, raising the federal minimum wage by 50 cents, higher fuel efficiency standards for cars, and a new flat 12% tax rate for small businesses.

March 25, 1996 - Gingrich, GOP leadership promise passage of Kean tax cut in 1997
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WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Don Nickles, and leaders in both houses of congress pledged that if Tom Kean was elected President in 1996, congress would pass his $1.2 trillion tax cut in 1997. "Tom Kean's tax cut will offer millions of Americans tax relief while generating economic growth and Republicans in congress are committed to making passage of the tax cut a top priority next year" Gingrich stated.

April 25, 1996 - Poll: Kean leads
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Tom Kean 36%
Jerry Brown 33%
Ross Perot 20%

May 17, 1996 - Perot attacks Kean on trade, Brown on spending
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LANSING, MI - Independent Presidential Candidate Ross Perot attacked both of his opponents on the campaign trail in Michigan. Promising to "enforce fair trade to save and bring back American jobs," Independent Presidential Hopeful Ross Perot hit opponent Tom Kean on free trade. "Tom Kean believes that by opening up trade with Mexico and Canada, which will put us at a strategic disadvantage in trade by costing us 500,000 jobs because labor costs are cheaper south of the border, we'll somehow prove we are open for businesses despite American manufacturing being put at risk" Perot stated. Perot's criticism wasn't only for Kean though. "This President has failed to reduce the national debt - in fact he's increased the deficit by 30% and our nation's debt is continuing to grow because we've failed to ask wealthier Americans like me to pay more in taxes and we've failed to reduce spending" Perot stated.

June 1, 1996 - Kean gives speech comparing, contrasting self to Brown
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PITTSBURG, PA - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Tom Kean gave a speech comparing and contrasting his record and agenda to that of President Jerry Brown. "I have called for a $1.2 trillion tax reduction where as the President has pushed for a $600 billion tax increase. By reforming medicare, medicaid, and social security - my plan saves taxpayers $100 billion each year. The President's spending programs increases spending by $60 billion every year for the next six years. While I support NAFTA and other free trade agreements to increase our global competitiveness, the President opposes such trade agreements. As a Governor, I increased educational standards and the use of vouchers, this President has slashed school vouchers and has added 2,000 bureaucrats to the Federal Department of Education. I respect the President and his views, but I simply want to lead our nation in a new direction" Kean stated.

June 27, 1996 - Perot selects Glenn for Vice President in surprise to Democrats
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COLUMBUS, OH - Independent Presidential Candidate Ross Perot selected Democratic Senator John Glenn of Ohio as his running-mate in the 1996 election. Glen, a loyal Democrat for much of his career, had voted against the Brown administration's policy in Kuwait, as well as the President's FY1993 and FY1994 budgets, which he argued caved to Republicans too much. "John Glen was an early voice in the fight to stop NAFTA and in favor of campaign finance reform. His story is an American story, and I appreciate his willingness to stand up to his political party and the establishment in Washington D.C." Perot said of Glenn.

July 2, 1996 - Kean picks Dole as running-mate
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CLARK, NJ - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Tom Kean selected Former Secretary of Transportation and Former Presidential Hopeful Elizabeth Dole as his running-mate in the 1996 election. Dole, the second place finisher in the 1996 Republican Primaries, is considered to be more conservative than Kean. "Elizabeth Dole has the experience to be a great Vice President. We share the same values and ideals" Kean said of his running-mate.

July 27, 1996 - Perot makes 30 minute prime-time address
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"For years now, politicians in the two major parties have been controlled by special interests. As a result, they've failed to adequately address reforming our campaign finance system. They've failed to balance the budget, create equality in the tax code, to enforce unfair trade laws, and they have allowed for junk lawsuits to drive up costs of business and health care. As President, I will first address our deficit by raising taxes on those with incomes above $300,000 while cutting spending by 7% across the board with exceptions for medicaid and medicare. I'll eliminate corporate tax loopholes and subsidies, but I will create a lower, 7% flat tax on small businesses. I will put limits on how many contributions companies can make per year and make available corporate donations online. I'll fight to repeal unfair trade agreements, and I'll keep us out of NAFTA. I'm not a politician or a lawyer, I'm a businessman who understands the American economy and the need to create fairness while reducing our debt and growing the job base" - Ross Perot, prime-time address to the American public

July 29, 1996 - Cuomo, DuPont endorse Perot
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OCEAN CITY, MD - Former Governors Mario Cuomo (D-NY) and Pete DuPont (R-DE) endorsed Independent Presidential Candidate Ross Perot. "I believe that the special interest control over Washington has gotten out of control, and Ross Perot is the only candidate seeking real reform" Cuomo stated. "I don't always agree with Ross on every issue, but I trust his experience and believe he will lead with integrity" DuPont stated.

August 11, 1996 - Elizabeth Dole accepts GOP Vice Presidential Nomination
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"Our party stands for the values of Reagan and Lincoln. We believe in opportunity, equality, justice, and liberty. We believe that Americans deserve to keep more of their own money, that Washington shouldn't interfere in the rights of states, that the free market works best, that family values matter, and that America is a force for good in this world. We've learned during the course of the past eight years that our opponents see things very differently. They promised less debt and lower taxes. Yet, the majority of Americans haven't seen tax relief in a decade and our nation's debt is 30% higher today than it was in 1989. They promised a brighter future for our kids, yet drug use is up 27% since 1989 and violence continues to plaque our inner-cities. They promised more jobs, yet they have created 40% as many jobs as were created under President Reagan. For eight years, our friends in the Democratic Party have controlled the white house. My fellow citizens, it is time for a change" - Elizabeth Dole, speech to Republican National Convention

August 12, 1996 - Tom Kean accepts GOP Presidential Nomination
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"The America we seek is one where individuals are empowered to achieve their goals. We must stand up for a government which is effective, limited, and one which best serves the needs of our citizens. As a Governor, I cut taxes, reformed welfare, increased standards and choice in education, and was committed to environmental cleanup and protection. I'm proud of my record but more importantly, I'm proud of New Jersey.Our agenda for the nation is clear. In this campaign, I have proposed and you have voiced support for the largest tax relief in American history, innovative reforms to social security, medicare, and medicaid, increased choice and local control of our schools with higher standards, a passage of NAFTA, a balanced budget amendment and spending restraint, and the rebuilding of our military. Together, we don't stand for one political party. It is my hope that my presidency is an era of national unity, of great purpose, and a time when people of different political ideologies come together to protect our national interests and build a brighter future for all of our people" - Tom Kean, address to Republican National Convention

August 21, 1996 - Douglas Wilder accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination
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"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your Vice President for these past four years. Working with President Brown, you and I have invested in local aid to education, begun to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, increased funding for health care for the poor and environmental clean up, reduced taxes on small businesses, reformed welfare, and changed our campaign finance system. 2.2 million Americans have found work during the recovery and we've balanced the budget 2 out of our 4 years. I'm proud of that record. But, there is more work to be done. Wages are falling in America today. So, the President and I propose raising the minimum wage and investing in worker re-training programs so more Americans have the skills to work at a job which pays more. The President and I believe that there is more work to be done in the area of campaign finance reform, so we propose public financing of elections. We believe that the best way to reduce crime is to ban weapons which do not belong in the hands of criminals, so we propose a ban on military style assault weapons. We believe in safe communities and a country with unlimited potential" - Douglas Wilder, speech to Democratic National Convention

August 22, 1996 - Jerry Brown accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"My presidency has been defined by a changing culture in Washington D.C. We’ve changed our campaign finance system and changed the way we do business in Washington. We’ve invested in education, environmental cleanup, our infrastructure, health care for the most vulnerable amongst us, and we’ve reformed our campaign finance system. At the same time, we drove Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait and have stood up for human rights and against the exploitation of workers. But, make no mistake about it – our work is not yet finished. Our opponents believe the future demands large tax breaks for the rich and free trade agreements which benefit multinational corporations, but which put half a million manufacturing jobs at risk. In the two decades before I took office, under both Republicans and Democrats, special interests took over Washington D.C. That has changed and today, we as a country are better off than we were when I took office. I believe, as I know you do, that our future belongs to a society which values the work of each individual and a society which remains committed to the values of equality, justice, and peace for all of our people” – Jerry Brown, speech to Democratic National Convention

September 4, 1996 - Poll: Presidential Race up for grabs
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Tom Kean 34%
Ross Perot 32%
Jerry Brown 30%

September 24, 1996 - Three Democrats endorse Kean for President
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MADISON, WI - Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, Former Vice President Lloyd Benten, and Senator Zell Miller of Georgia, all Democrats, endorsed Tom Kean for President in 1996, citing Kean's record on environmental protection and commitment to higher educational standards as reasons for endorsing the Republican. "Jerry Brown hasn't done a single thing to help education other than throwing money at the problem" Former Vice President Lloyd Bensten stated.

October 2, 1996 - Presidential Candidates debate domestic issues
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"Under President Reagan, the United States saw the creation of nearly 16 million new jobs as poverty fell by 16% and incomes rose by over $3,000. In the past eight years, we've only created a third of the jobs we did during the 1980s, wages are down over $1,700, and our national debt has doubled as spending has increased by 28%. What we need is a President who understands that the best way to help the American people grow this economy is by reducing taxes, opening up our markets, and by limiting the power of the federal government. I have called for the largest tax relief in our country's history, a tax cut which will stimulate economic growth by phasing in a lower, flat income tax for small businesses, a reduced corporate tax rate, and a flat 10% capital gains tax. My plan also helps families by eliminating the income tax on working people while reducing it for those earning between $75,000 and $500,000 by 20%. My plan also cuts spending and balances the budget. I'll also enact NAFTA and open up our markets and make America the best place to do business by fighting for litigation reform and to reverse the nearly $10 billion in regulations this President has enacted on small and medium sized businesses. I believe Americans deserve a President who trusts them more than they trust the federal government" - Tom Kean

"Four years ago, Jerry Brown promised that he'd ask the rich to pay their fair share of taxes and that he'd reverse unfair trade agreements. Instead, he's backed off demands for a fairer tax code and he's actually extended twenty free trade agreements with countries which use cheap labor and have poor labor conditions. I'm not a politician, I'm a businessman and my goal is to go to Washington, work with the Republicans and the Democrats, and balance the budget while revitalizing manufacturing by enforcing trade laws which have not been respected. Tom Kean is right that we have a jobs problem in America, but his plan simply slows the growth of federal spending - but his plan only cuts the debt in half by the year 2007, my plan eliminates the debt by 2007. We'll ask the wealthy to pay a higher tax rate of 38% with no loopholes or deductions, we'll cut taxes on small business, and we will institute a 7% across the board spending cut with exemptions for medicare and social security" - Ross Perot

"In January 1993, when I took over as President, the unemployment rate was at it's highest level in eleven years - 6.1%. Last month, the unemployment rate was 5.2% - it's lowest level since May of 1988. Over the past eighteen months, we've seen the creation of 1.7 million American jobs. Last year, our deficit was $250 billion, it is $120 billion this year and if we pass my budget in it's entirety, it will be $20 billion next year and $0 in 1998. We've invested in our people - we've invested in health care for the poor, local aid to education, funding for infrastructure, and we've begun cleaning up environmental waste sites. Furthermore, we've put limits on campaign contributions which has transformed our campaign finance system. After twelve years of broken promises and missed opportunities, our administration has finally changed the culture of Washington D.C. In the next four years, there is more work to be done. We need to raise the minimum wage, cut taxes on lower income earners while asking the wealthy to pay just a little more. We need to invest in higher education through increased pell grants and opportunity scholarships. We should also work aggressively to stop big oil from destroying our environment. I've been a President of the people and will continue to be so in a second term" - Jerry Brown


"I have put out specific proposals about my tax cut plan, how we can save our entitlement programs, how we can balance the budget and reduce debt, and how we can rebuild our military. If we phase out federal subsidies to various industries and instead reduce taxes, if we slow the growth of the federal budget from 19% over the next eight years to 12%, and if we reduce the size of the federal workforce by 25% through attrition, we can achieve a balanced budget next year, we'll eliminate the deficit by 1998, and we will generate a surplus by the year 2000. " - Tom Kean

"The campaign finance reform the President passed and signed into law puts limits on campaign contributions, but it doesn't limit the amount of times a company can donate to political candidates, it doesn't require FEC disclosure of all corporate donations, and it doesn't have any public financing of elections - what I propose has all of those things. Special interests are giving money to my opponents, the Republicans have accepted over $2 million from the pharmaceutical industry and the Democrats have taken $1.4 million from trial lawyers in the past 18 months alone - 97% of my campaign contributions come from individuals." - Ross Perot

"My first term has been committed to changing the culture of Washington D.C. My second term will be about giving our government back to the people. We've begun that process with campaign finance reform, but there is more work to be done. I believe that working Americans can appreciate my fight for raising the federal minimum wage, for universal health care for children, and for standing up for paid medical leave. Republicans in congress have resisted my calls for passage of these things, and my opponent Governor Kean has failed to take a position on these important issues. As a Governor and as President, my primary focus has been making the lives of working Americans better and I believe as best I have been able to do, that has happened. With a second term and hopefully a new congress, we can achieve even more for the working men and women of this country" - Jerry Brown

"I believe that my reform message transcends party lines. Independents and Democrats are joining Republicans in supporting my campaign, as they did during my eight years as a Governor. Reducing taxes on a majority of Americans as well as on investment and business is bi-partisian, as is balancing the budget and opening up our markets so we can compete in this global economy. I've said that I'll continue the President's policy of spending about $2 billion per year on environmental cleanup, I did the same thing as a Governor and that's about the only area where we agree. My campaign is about reforming government and bringing change to Washington, that's not an ideological message in the least" - Tom Kean

"I've worked with Republicans in congress to cut taxes on small businesses, to reform welfare, and I worked with Senators John McCain of Arizona and William Cohen of Maine on campaign finance reform. But, look, there is an ideological difference in this campaign. I've called myself a progressive since I first ran for Governor of California. I've always been a fiscal centrist, but on the important issues of our day, I side with progressive Americans. Governor Kean has shifted in his views. As a Governor, he was close to the political center. In 1982, Governor Kean said he would only reduce taxes so long as he could pay for the tax cut, today he is bragging about pushing for a massive tax cut that he has yet to explain how he'll pay for it. In 1990, he said he was open to the idea of banning assault weapons, today he's opposed. Tom Kean described himself as pro-choice while running for Governor of New Jersey, he has since stated he would keep the Hyde Amendment in place. Ross Perot has said he will cut spending by 7% across the board - that includes cuts to food stamps, education, medicaid, and tax relief for small businesses" - Jerry Brown

"The problem with electing a politician as President is they have to adhere to an ideology consistent with that of their political base, my only political base is the American people because I am not a member of either political party. My agenda is simple: get Americans back to work by protecting our jobs and investing in education, reduce taxes on small businesses, but ask the very rich to pay their fair share so we can reduce the national debt. I'll stop the special interest hold on our politics as we know it today. My opponents are spending millions trying to distort my agenda. The President is telling you I'll cut everything by 7% - the President has created tax credits for small businesses, and he has. My plan doubles those tax credits. My plan increases federal funding for education, but gives the money back to states" - Ross Perot

"I want to make this very clear. I do not support abortion, I believe it is wrong and should be discouraged. However, those are my personal views. As a matter of public policy, I believe that abortion in the first and second trimester must continue to be legal unless Roe Vs. Wade is overturned. I do support a ban on third trimester abortions and I oppose federal funding of abortions. That has been my position throughout my entire career in public office. On the issues of same-sex rights, I believe the issue of marriage is one best left up to the people in each individual state. I won't support legislation legalizing, or banning, same-sex marriage at the federal level. I do support Don't Ask Don't Tell, I agree with the Dukakis administration's implementation of that policy and will continue the policy if elected President" - Tom Kean

"I have consistently protected a woman's right to choose and fought for it as both a Governor and as President. In California, I created a medicaid program where poor women could obtain an abortion because I know that if some women have a right, all women deserve the same rights. I fought the Hyde Amendment and I would love to see it overturned some day. I also look forward to the day when same-sex couples can marry, I think it's a national embarrassment that we discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation. I disagree with my Republican opponent and President Dukakis on Don't Ask Don't Tell and I have tried three times to get Republicans in congress to reverse the policy." - Jerry Brown

"I have said from day one that I will protect the laws of the land, and legalized abortion is the law of the land, as is the Hyde Amendment. Same-sex marriage is not the law of the land. My position is that I am pro-choice, but I don't support public funding of abortion from the federal government, though states can do as they please. I also support Don't Ask Don't Tell and would continue the policy if elected President" - Ross Perot

October 10, 1996 - Vice Presidential Candidates Debate
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"Tom Kean and I bring to this presidential campaign a bold plan to get people back to work while restoring people's faith in government. I was proud to serve in the Reagan administration and as a non-profit President. I understand leadership and getting the job done. As Governor of New Jersey, Tom Kean brought people together in both political parties to reduce taxes, reform welfare, and invest in environmental clean up. We believe that government should be small, yet effective. Washington D.C. should do a few things, but should send much of what it has been doing over the past three decades back to the states and those governments closest to the American people. We'll go to Washington to fight to cut taxes and balance the budget, which can be accomplished by reducing wasteful spending, reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy, and reforming medicare, medicaid, and social security while preserving those programs for this generation and the next. Under the current administration, federal revenue is down by 12% from 1993 since the incomes of workers are down and joblessness is up. The President's only proposals are to raise the minimum wage and raise taxes on the wealthy, he offers nothing concrete to grow our economy" - Elizabeth Dole

"Four years ago, President Dukakis and Speaker Gingrich were fighting with each other in public as opposed to working together in both private and public. The President and I have worked with Republicans and Democrats in reforming welfare, reforming our campaign finance system, and cutting taxes for small businesses. 1.8 million jobs have been created since last year, our economy is picking up momentum. Governor Kean and Mr. Perot have spent time in this campaign complaining that Washington is broken, but neither of them has actually done anything about it to change that. The President and I have, and we've had good results. We've put forth an ambitious agenda for a second term. We believe that raising the minimum wage to help the working poor and raising taxes on the very rich who got huge tax breaks in the 1980s to balance the budget is crucial. By the way, under our plan, millionaires will pay less now than they did in 1980, but the point is we've got to pay for those things we invest in. Our investments in small business tax credits have had an impact on our economy, as businesses have been able to grow and expand. We've changed the culture of Washington D.C., now it's time to give our government back to the American people" - Douglas Wilder

"Many people wonder why I agreed to be Ross Perot's running-mate after having been a loyal Democrat since I was 18 years old. The answer is, nobody is paying attention to the $4 trillion debt and the loss of our manufacturing base except Ross Perot. I voted against all of President Reagan's budgets and was the one Democrat who voted against President Dukakis's budgets in 1990 and again in 1992 because they didn't address the issue of deficit reduction and paying down the debt. In 1993, I supported President Brown's budget because he off-set $30 billion in aid to local governments with $30 billion in budgetary cuts in other areas. But, this past year, I once again found myself opposing my party's President, and I voted against the President's budget. We have got to stop spending more money than we take in, and we have got to address this $4 trillion. Ross Perot and I are going to do what both Republicans and Democrats fail to do, we are going to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans by increasing the top tax rate from 28% to 35% and we are going to cut spending across the board, with a few exceptions for our seniors and veterans, by 7%. At the same time, we are going to reduce taxes on businesses of small and medium size by 20% and we are going to enforce trade agreements which aren't being enforced in order to revive the American economy" - John Glenn

"I believe the diversity of experience I have prepares me to be an effective Vice President. I have served as an agency secretary, as a nonprofit President, and in both the public and private sectors. I will be Tom Kean's most trusted advisor and advocate as Vice President. My focus will be on helping the President establish his policies and then I'll work with congress to pass those policies" - Elizabeth Dole

"I have had the honor of being Vice President for the past four years. President Brown has relied on me for advice and I've worked with members of congress on issues such as welfare reform and small business tax credits. The President has sent me on trade missions, to diplomatic meetings, and to businesses to speak with people about job creation. I'm proud of my record and look forward to serving for the next four years" - Douglas Wilder

"I have more foreign policy experience of anyone on this stage, so I suspect I'll be the foreign policy Vice President. I've also fought to protect medicare and funding for education in the U.S. Senate. Ross Perot asked me to join him as his running-mate because throughout my career, I have always put my country's interest ahead of politics, ahead of personal ambition, and ahead of even making a lot of money" - John Glenn

October 10, 1996 - Vice Presidential Candidates Debate
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"Tom Kean and I bring to this presidential campaign a bold plan to get people back to work while restoring people's faith in government. I was proud to serve in the Reagan administration and as a non-profit President. I understand leadership and getting the job done. As Governor of New Jersey, Tom Kean brought people together in both political parties to reduce taxes, reform welfare, and invest in environmental clean up. We believe that government should be small, yet effective. Washington D.C. should do a few things, but should send much of what it has been doing over the past three decades back to the states and those governments closest to the American people. We'll go to Washington to fight to cut taxes and balance the budget, which can be accomplished by reducing wasteful spending, reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy, and reforming medicare, medicaid, and social security while preserving those programs for this generation and the next. Under the current administration, federal revenue is down by 12% from 1993 since the incomes of workers are down and joblessness is up. The President's only proposals are to raise the minimum wage and raise taxes on the wealthy, he offers nothing concrete to grow our economy" - Elizabeth Dole

"Four years ago, President Dukakis and Speaker Gingrich were fighting with each other in public as opposed to working together in both private and public. The President and I have worked with Republicans and Democrats in reforming welfare, reforming our campaign finance system, and cutting taxes for small businesses. 1.8 million jobs have been created since last year, our economy is picking up momentum. Governor Kean and Mr. Perot have spent time in this campaign complaining that Washington is broken, but neither of them has actually done anything about it to change that. The President and I have, and we've had good results. We've put forth an ambitious agenda for a second term. We believe that raising the minimum wage to help the working poor and raising taxes on the very rich who got huge tax breaks in the 1980s to balance the budget is crucial. By the way, under our plan, millionaires will pay less now than they did in 1980, but the point is we've got to pay for those things we invest in. Our investments in small business tax credits have had an impact on our economy, as businesses have been able to grow and expand. We've changed the culture of Washington D.C., now it's time to give our government back to the American people" - Douglas Wilder

"Many people wonder why I agreed to be Ross Perot's running-mate after having been a loyal Democrat since I was 18 years old. The answer is, nobody is paying attention to the $4 trillion debt and the loss of our manufacturing base except Ross Perot. I voted against all of President Reagan's budgets and was the one Democrat who voted against President Dukakis's budgets in 1990 and again in 1992 because they didn't address the issue of deficit reduction and paying down the debt. In 1993, I supported President Brown's budget because he off-set $30 billion in aid to local governments with $30 billion in budgetary cuts in other areas. But, this past year, I once again found myself opposing my party's President, and I voted against the President's budget. We have got to stop spending more money than we take in, and we have got to address this $4 trillion. Ross Perot and I are going to do what both Republicans and Democrats fail to do, we are going to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans by increasing the top tax rate from 28% to 35% and we are going to cut spending across the board, with a few exceptions for our seniors and veterans, by 7%. At the same time, we are going to reduce taxes on businesses of small and medium size by 20% and we are going to enforce trade agreements which aren't being enforced in order to revive the American economy" - John Glenn

"I believe the diversity of experience I have prepares me to be an effective Vice President. I have served as an agency secretary, as a nonprofit President, and in both the public and private sectors. I will be Tom Kean's most trusted advisor and advocate as Vice President. My focus will be on helping the President establish his policies and then I'll work with congress to pass those policies" - Elizabeth Dole

"I have had the honor of being Vice President for the past four years. President Brown has relied on me for advice and I've worked with members of congress on issues such as welfare reform and small business tax credits. The President has sent me on trade missions, to diplomatic meetings, and to businesses to speak with people about job creation. I'm proud of my record and look forward to serving for the next four years" - Douglas Wilder

"I have more foreign policy experience of anyone on this stage, so I suspect I'll be the foreign policy Vice President. I've also fought to protect medicare and funding for education in the U.S. Senate. Ross Perot asked me to join him as his running-mate because throughout my career, I have always put my country's interest ahead of politics, ahead of personal ambition, and ahead of even making a lot of money" - John Glenn

October 17, 1996 - Presidential Candidates Debate Foreign Policy
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"The truth is, over the past eight years, we've seen a decline in the size of our military by over 30,000 - I intend to increase the size of the military by 30,000 over a five year period because I believe a strong military is key to preserving peace and keeping the American people safe. I share the philosophy of President Reagan - that the military should be used to protect our national security interests and therefore, resources should be invested in it in order to both protect us while forcing our enemies to fear us and our allies to respect us. However, I also understand the need for diplomacy - I'll build strong alliances with our allies through trade, economic development, and fighting for common values such as the rights of all who value freedom, peace, and democracy. I don't believe our military should be involved in nation building, and I believe the American President must exercise caution before using military force. However, sometimes, using force is necessary and our military should be prepared. This administration has slashed funding for navy ships, some intelligence gathering operations, and certain equipment for our troops. I don't believe that is right" - Tom Kean

"My administration reduced defense spending, as I told Americans I would in 1992 when they elected me, because we are no longer fighting a cold war. When we went into Kuwait to drive Saddam Hussein out, we gave our men and women in uniform the same equipment that President Reagan provided them with. What we have cut from our military in terms of funding and intelligence gathering was at the recommendation of the pentagon. My administration re-directed some of those funds to debt reduction, and others towards humanitarian missions or causes in places such as Haiti where we didn't intervene, but we provided food for thousands of innocent civilians. I believe that our military should always be well funded, but I also believe we have a role to play in providing aid to those who hurt in this world, and that's why we've invested $20 billion more that President Dukakis towards humanitarian aid. But, we've reduced foreign aid to foreign governments and scaled back our military at the advice of our generals" - Jerry Brown

"In 1993, a report by the Joint Chief told the President that we could reduce defense spending by $100 billion per year - this President has reduced the defense budget by half of that. Mr. Kean wants to now increase the defense budget despite this being a time of peace. I will cut the defense budget because the greatest threat to our national security is the $4 trillion debt, and I will fight to eliminate that debt by cutting funding from every department - except funding for veteran's services, social security, and medicaid. So when I say I'll cut the defense budget, it isn't because I want to do some academic exercise, but so we can reduce the debt and deficit. But, in terms of what kind of leader I'll be in foreign policy, I believe working with our allies to promote economic trade is crucial, but I won't tolerate unfair trade agreements which ship our manufacturing jobs overseas by virtue of making it desirable to do so because of trade. I have had to deal with foreign competition while in business, I understand the world we live in not by a briefing I had in Washington, but because I've lived in the real world and have had dealings across the globe"- Ross Perot

October 25, 1996 - Presidential Candidates participate in final debate
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"My fellow Americans, our country can do better. As Americans, we have always come together during times good and bad, and we've always done what is right. I am optimistic about the future of this great country and the opportunities the future holds for all of us. On election day, I humbly ask for the honor of serving as President of the United States so we can reform government and change America. My economic plan will reduce taxes, open up our markets, and reduce the regulatory burden of Washington D.C. so we can again create jobs and see rising incomes again. I'll fight to reform medicare, medicaid, and social security to preserve them for future generations as well as this generation. I will fight for higher standards and educational choice to save our schools and to ensure that every child in America gets a great education. I'll fight not only to balance the federal budget, but for a constitutional balanced budget amendment. I believe that by coming together, having respect for one another, and working together, America can achieve great things. I hope to lead that effort" - Tom Kean

"Four years ago, I challenged a status-quo none of us were satisfied with. We were used to having special interests tell us how things were going to be, and politicians in both political parties were used to listening to those special interests. Today, we have changed the culture of Washington D.C. Politicians in both parties are working together and we have managed to invest in education, health care, our roads, and the environment. We've reformed welfare and a special interest hold on our campaign finance system. Over the next four years, I challenge the American people to work with me to give the government back to our people by doing even more to break the special interest hold on Washington. I look forward to leading an effort to raise the minimum wage, investing in more pell grants so more folks can go to college, fighting the NRA and banning dangerous assault weapons, creating higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars, and fighting to end our dependence on foreign sources of energy. As we move into the next century, it's time for us to think about the way of the future and how we'll prosper going forward. These times demand a strong, effective President who will stand on the side of the people, not the special interests, and I ask for your vote" - Jerry Brown

"What got me into this presidential race wasn't some desire to boost my ego, but a growing concern about the national debt and the failures of politicians to enforce trade agreements which have resulted in the loss of over 320,000 manufacturing jobs this decade thus far. The politicians don't want to give it to you straight, so I will. I will ask wealthy Americans like myself to pay more in taxes. I will be cutting spending on almost every program of the federal government by 7%. I will fight for real campaign finance reform, not the version the President signed into law which has done little - my plan restricts how many times folks can contribute to campaigns and allows for partial public financing of elections. I will enforce unfair trade agreements and will keep us out of NAFTA. The American people deserve a President with common sense and a background in business as opposed to a politician. In a decade from now, under my proposal, we will generate a $1 trillion surplus to replace the $4 trillion in debt we are going to give to our kids. We'll grow the economy and really end the special interest hold on Washington. I'm asking for your vote to end the hold the two parties have on Washington" - Ross Perot


November 5, 1996 - Tom Kean Elected President
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Tom Kean / Elizabeth Dole (R) 37% 273 EV
Jerry Brown / Douglas Wilder (D) 32% 192 EV
Ross Perot / John Glenn (I) 31% 73 EV
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Exit Polling - Election 1996

By political party
Republican - Tom Kean 92% Ross Perot 7% Jerry Brown 1%
Democratic - Jerry Brown 78% Ross Perot 20% Tom Kean 2%
Independent - Tom Kean 40% Ross Perot 34% Jerry Brown 26%

By ideology
Conservative - Tom Kean 95% Ross Perot 4% Jerry Brown 1%
Moderate - Tom Kean 40% Ross Perot 40% Jerry Brown 20%
Liberal - Jerry Brown 82% Ross Perot 15% Tom Kean 3%

By income
Less than $30,000 - Jerry Brown 62% Ross Perot 20% Tom Kean 18%
$30,000-$60,000 - Ross Perot 40% Jerry Brown 37% Tom Kean 23%
$60,000-$120,000 - Tom Kean 42% Ross Perot 38% Jerry Brown 20%
$120,000-$250,000 - Tom Kean 57% Jerry Brown 30% Ross Perot 13%
Above $250,000 - Tom Kean 60% Jerry Brown 32% Ross Perot 8%

By ethnicity
White - Tom Kean 48% Ross Perot 30% Jerry Brown 22%
Black - Jerry Brown 87% Ross Perot 10% Tom Kean 3%
Hispanic - Jerry Brown 49% Tom Kean 30% Ross Perot 21%
Asian - Jerry Brown 45% Tom Kean 35% Ross Perot 20%
Other - Jerry Brown 60% Tom Kean 30% Ross Perot 10%

By gender
Male - Tom Kean 50% Ross Perot 30% Jerry Brown 20%
Female - Jerry Brown 41% Tom Kean 35% Ross Perot 24%

Five Closest States
Ohio - Ross Perot 33.8% Tom Kean 33.5% Jerry Brown 32.7%
Colorado - Tom Kean 34% Jerry Brown 33% Ross Perot 33%
Virginia - Jerry Brown 34% Tom Kean 33% Ross Perot 33%
Vermont - Jerry Brown 36% Ross Perot 35% Tom Kean 29%
Washington - Jerry Brown 37% Tom Kean 36% Ross Perot 27%

Five strongest Tom Kean wins
Idaho - Tom Kean 74% Jerry Brown 20% Ross Perot 6%
Utah - Tom Kean 67% Ross Perot 20% Jerry Brown 13%
New Jersey - Tom Kean 62% Jerry Brown 25% Ross Perot 13%
West Virginia - Tom Kean 57% Jerry Brown 30% Ross Perot 13%
New Hampshire - Tom Kean 45% Jerry Brown 30% Ross Perot 25%

Five strongest Jerry Brown wins
California - Jerry Brown 67% Tom Kean 20% Ross Perot 13%
Massachusetts - Jerry Brown 50% Tom Kean 30% Ross Perot 20%
Delaware - Jerry Brown 42% Tom Kean 33% Ross Perot 25%
Rhode Island - Jerry Brown 40% Tom Kean 31% Ross Perot 29%
Oregon - Jerry Brown 39% Tom Kean 33% Ross Perot 28%

Five strongest Ross Perot wins / showings
Michigan - Ross Perot 47% Jerry Brown 30% Tom Kean 23%
Pennsylvania - Ross Perot 40% Tom Kean 36% Jerry Brown 24%
Missouri - Ross Perot 38% Tom Kean 36% Jerry Brown 26%
Ohio - Ross Perot 33.8% Tom Kean 33.5% Jerry Brown 32.7%
Vermont - Jerry Brown 36% Ross Perot 35% Tom Kean 29%


Most important issue
Economy 34%
Taxes 20%
National Debt 15%
Foreign Policy 10%
Trade 7%
Health Care 7%
Education 5%
Social Issues 1%
Other 1%

Why'd Perot do so well with a incumbent who's views are quite a bit closer to his than Bush's? Was Brown ITL more unpopular than Bush Sr. in OTL?

With a sluggish economic recovery and a $4 trillion debt, the incumbent had vulnerabilities. However, he did sign into law welfare reform, campaign finance reform, and increased funding for a variety of programs, the incumbent also could claim he had a record of accomplishments. Ross Perot made the argument the incumbent didn't go far enough as it relates to taking on special interests, and he argued the Democrats were big spenders but the Republicans were obsessed with a tax cut ideology. In the end, Tom Kean won the overwhelming support of Republicans as Ross Perot took votes away from President Brown with Democrats.

Key events of the Tom Kean Administration, January 20, 1997 - January 1, 1999
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-January 24, 1997 - President Kean signs into law The Tax Relief Act of 1997, his tax cut package in it's entirety. The plan will cost $1.2 trillion over an eight year period. Phased in over three years, individuals earning less than $75,000 saw their income taxes eliminated, while those earning between $75,000 and $500,000 saw their income taxes reduced by 20%. The corporate tax rate would fall from 39% to 30% and the capital gains tax rate would be reduced by 20% across the board. Additionally, small businesses will see their taxes reduced to a flat, 10% rate. Corporate tax loopholes and tax deductions except for expenses related to education and the charitable deduction will also be phased out
-March 1, 1997 - President Kean enacts the North American Free Trade Agreement
- June 27, 1997 - President Kean signs into law a constitutional balanced budget amendment, requiring the federal budget to be balanced. The law exempted the defense budget and funding for veteran's health care.
- September 5, 1997 - President Kean pushes congress to block-grant medicaid to the states
- October 7, 1997 - President Kean signs into law the Social Security Means Testing Act into law. The new program means tested social security, raised the social security retirement age by five years, and added 40 years to the life of social security.
- December 1, 1997 - President Kean and House Speaker Newt Gingrich announce that by 2002, the size of the U.S. military will be larger by 40,000 troops. Congress also agreed to restore $20 billion in intelligence funding cut by the Brown administration.
- January 12, 1998 - President Kean signs into law a bi-partisian bill establishing a federal infrastructure bank. The law dedicates 10% of the federal gasoline tax to go into the fund
- March 20, 1998 - President Kean signs into law a budget which slashes federal subsidies across the board by 50%. The President wanted to eliminate all federal subsidies, but compromised with congress. In exchange, congress would create a commission to study the effectiveness of federal subsidy programs.
- June 1, 1998 - President Kean signs into law the Medicare Reform Act, which created health care savings accounts for those on medicare while slowing the growth of medicare for wealthier seniors.
- August 25, 1998 - President Kean vetoes a bill giving tax credits for manufacturers
- October 1, 1998 - President Kean signs into law a Democratic bill extended Former President Brown's commitment to spend $700 million per year on environmental cleanup projects
- December 5, 1998 - President Kean signs into law the State Health Care Funding Act of 1998, giving state's federal funds to set up health care programs for low income children

January 7, 1999 - Evan Bayh announces presidential campaign
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IOWA CITY, IA - Governor of Indiana Evan Bayh announced he would be a candidate for the 2000 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Today, I announce that I will be a candidate for President in the year 2000. I am running for President because I believe that in this era of great economic prosperity, we have an obligation to make investments in science and technology while continuing to balance our budget. The President needs to be challenged by a Democrat who won't deny the prosperous economy, but also a Democrat who will push for us to invest in the future" Bayh told CNN.

January 24, 1999 - Gore to run for President
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WASHINGTON, DC - Senate Minority Whip Al Gore announced he would be a candidate for the 2000 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Despite the economic growth we have experienced over the past four years, too many Americans have been left behind in failing schools, in urban centers with high levels of crime, and we aren't doing all we can to protect our environment. This President is fundraising and telling people that all of our problems have been solved. This is not the case for millions of Americans, and it’s time they had an advocate" Gore stated.

February 15, 1999 - Perot: No to 2000 presidential run
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AUSTIN, TX - At a press conference in Austin, Texas, 1996 Presidential Candidate Ross Perot declared he would not run for President again in 2000. "I think we brought the national debt, campaign finance reform, and trade issues to the forefront of the 1996 presidential race. I came as close as any independent candidate has come since the beginning of the century and I will continue to speak out about the important issues facing our country, but I won't be a presidential candidate in 2000" Perot stated.

March 2, 1999 - Tom Harkin enters presidential race
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DES MOINES, IA - Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa became the third Democrat to enter the 2000 Democratic Presidential Primaries. "Tom Kean has ignored the fact that we have lost more than 400,000 manufacturing jobs this decade, farm income is at it's lowest levels in four decades, and fuel costs are more than 15% higher today than the day the President took office. My fellow citizens, in the U.S. Senate I have been fighting for middle class families. I fought for the farm income stabilization program, for small business tax credits, and to increase pell grants so more Americans can go to college. I'll bring to this campaign a track record of fighting for the middle class, and so I announce I am running for President of the United States in the year 2000" Harkin stated.

April 12, 1999 - Carper enters 2000 presidential race
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DOVER, DE - Governor of Delaware Tom Carper entered the 2000 presidential race. "In Delaware, we've done what President Kean has failed to do in Washington. We expanded medicaid to cover every poor child in our state with health insurance, we have increased the number of police on our streets, we've strengthened legislation increasing penalties for those who engage in hate crimes, and we've reduced taxes for the bottom 10% while increasing taxes on the top 2% to balance our budget, and for two years in a row, we've had growing surpluses. I believe that if we do what is right in Washington, America can combat inequality and injustice, make our community's safer, and act in a fiscally responsible manner, and so I'm running for President" Carper stated.

April 25, 1999 - Cardin entering 2000 presidential race
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MANCHESTER, NH - Congressman Ben Cardin of Maryland entered the 2000 presidential race. "For the past four years, I've been one of the few elected officials in either party who has fought the Kean agenda. I was one of only 40 House Democrats who opposed the Kean tax cut because it's cost is too high. I was one of 10 who stood up to President Kean and voted against his social security scheme because it didn't ask the wealthiest Americans to pay a cent more for social security. I led the fight to get the President to increase funding for environmental protection when he wanted to slash the EPA budget by 25%. While others have sat by in silence, I have stood up for the values of the Democratic Party" Cardin told supporters.

May 1, 1999 - Dick Durbin enters 2000 presidential race
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CHICAGO, IL - Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois entered the 2000 presidential race. "Too many Americans lack health care, are victims of gun violence, breath air which is polluted, and go to failing schools. President Kean hasn't addressed the struggles of ordinary Americans. I will. As President, I will fight for universal health care, a ban on assault weapons, cap and trade to protect our planet, and I will raise standards in the classroom" Durbin declared.

June 2, 1999 - Glenn: Democrats will lose in 2000
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CLEVELAND, OH - Senator John Glen, Ross Perot's running-mate in the 1996 presidential election, said that President Kean would win re-election when asked about the Democrat's 2000 presidential prospects. "The Democrats will lose in 2000, period. Look, we have some problems with manufacturing jobs leaving the U.S. and money still controls a lot in politics, but the deficit has been eliminated, taxes have been reduced, the economy is stronger today than it's been since at least 1988, I think the President is going to be re-elected" Glenn told reporters when asked about his plans in 2000. "I am a Democrat despite running as an independent in 1996, but I need to be honest: we aren't going to win the white house next year unless something big happens" Glenn added.

June 27, 1999 - Newt Gingrich announces 2000 U.S. Senate bid
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WASHINGTON, DC - House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who had been serving as Speaker of the House for eight years, announced he would run for the U.S. Senate in the 2000 U.S. Senate race in Georgia. "As Speaker, I fought the Democrats and stopped massive tax increases and socialized medicine earlier this decade. I wrote the law reforming our welfare system. I have worked with the President to pass the largest tax relief in history, meaningful reforms to social security and medicare, a constitutional balanced budget amendment, and a rebuilding of our military. I believe that I can best represent the people of Georgia in the U.S. Senate" Gingrich stated. Hypothetical polling has found Gingrich dominating the GOP field, and leading Incumbent Senator Zell Miller 45%-41%.

July 15, 1999 - Harkin lays out presidential agenda in New Hampshire, picks up 2 major endorsements
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MANCHESTER, NH - Democratic Presidential Candidate Tom Harkin won the support of Former Vice President Douglas Wilder (D-VA) and Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) while speaking to voters about his presidential agenda in New Hampshire."Be it unequal educational opportunities, inner-city crime, falling farm income, or the loss of manufacturing jobs, this President has failed to address the important issues confronting our country. I've spent my career fighting for the middle class and those left behind, and I'll fight for them as President" Harkin stated. Harkin called for a repeal of the Kean tax cut for those earning over $150,000 per year and using the money to reduce the debt, increase funding for drug prevention programs and gun buy-back programs in inner-cities, as well as expanding health care coverage for every child in the U.S. Additionally, Kean called for tax breaks for companies which expand or create manufacturing jobs in the U.S., increased pell grants and low-interest student loans for those who want to attend college, and he called for reversing President Kean's reductions in farm subsidies.

July 27, 1999 - Poll: Gore, Carper lead for 2000, Kean dominates
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Democratic Nomination
Al Gore 33%
Tom Carper 30%
Evan Bayh 15%
Tom Harkin 12%
Ben Cardin 7%
Dick Durbin 2%
Other 1%

General Election Match Ups

Tom Kean 47%
Al Gore 41%

Tom Kean 49%
Evan Bayh 39%

Tom Kean 50%
Tom Carper 33%

August 5, 1999 - Al Gore gives speech highlighting agenda after weeks of major endorsements and momentum
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IOWA CITY, IA - Democratic Presidential Candidate Al Gore picked up endorsements from Governor Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC), Senator Bob Graham (D-FL), Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), and Former Secretary of State under President Jerry Brown Tom Foley (D-WA). "I believe Americans want an ambitious agenda to move our country in the right direction, and I think my experience prepares me to be able to lead our country in that new direction" Gore stated. Gore called for a ban on assault weapons, a cap and trade program to reduce CO2 emissions, expanding SCHIP, and a prescription drug plan which would allow the private sector to compete with medicare to lower costs. Gore also said he would pass a veterans bill of rights to guarantee veterans health care costs would be paid for 100% and he said he'd push for more free trade.

September 21, 1999 - President Kean launches re-election bid
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PARSIPPANY, NJ - President Tom Kean and Vice President Elizabeth Dole traveled to New Jersey to launch their 2000 re-election campaign. "Today, with confidence and with an even greater sense of duty and purpose, I announce I will stand as a candidate for re-election as President of the United States. Over these past four years, you and I have worked together. We've accomplished goals which were once seen as impossible. We passed the largest tax relief in the history of our country, meaningful reforms to protect social security and medicaid, NAFTA has been implemented, we are cleaning up environmental waste sites, we've begun to rebuild our military, we've expanded health care coverage to over 1.7 million children who lacked it before, and our veterans are getting their health care needs met at upgraded facilities. Local control has been restored to our schools and our communities are safer with over 22,000 more police on our streets. The deficit has been eliminated, the budget has been balanced for 3 of the last 4 years, we are paying down our nation's debt, over 7 million jobs have been created, welfare rolls are half of what they were when I took office, and incomes are rising. While we have seen a growing economy and a fiscal house that is finally in order, there is more work to be done. While test scores in our schools have increased and the number of students graduating high school has increased, too many of our schools still fail to meet the standards we set out. While crime has been reduced by 38% since 1996, drug use has increased by 7%. We've reformed social security and medicare, medicaid costs are increasing. While we have invested $2.8 billion in federal dollars towards environmental cleanup, our inner-cities are still plagued with too much pollution. We are headed in the right direction, but there is more work to do, and the Vice President and I intend to get things done over the next four years" the President stated.

September 27, 1999 - Democratic Presidential Candidates hold first Debate
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"President Kean and the Republican Congress are going to tell the American people that everything in America is just fine. Look, no one can deny that we have seen good jobs numbers for some time now. But, there are still millions of Americans who are falling behind. In Indiana, I have a reputation of taking on tough problems on a bi-partisian basis, and that's the kind of attitude I'll bring to Washington D.C. I have called for smaller class sizes in America's schools, merit pay for teachers, and annual standardized testing to judge how our public schools are doing. Schools which aren't achieving what they should be should be shut down and re-opened with new leadership. Education is going to be the defining issue in the 2000 election because over the last four years, while average test scores are up, the poorest districts in America have seen steady decline for two decades, and no one has addressed this injustice. In Indiana, I signed bi-partisian tenure reform and merit pay for teachers, so I know it works" - Evan Bayh

"In the United States Senate for the past 15 years, I have fought everyday to make a difference. I fought against President Reagan's cuts to food stamps and medicaid, and sponsored the bill to expand medicaid under President Dukakis. It was my bill which expanded funding for the VA by 17%. I fought for increased penalties against corporations which pollute our air and water. As Senate Minority Whip for the past four years, I worked with the administration to expand funding for environmental cleanup, and stopped the President's planned block-grant of medicaid which would have resulted in reduced oversight and stretched funding of the program. My agenda for this country is clear. I pledge to the American people that I will reverse the President's tax cuts for those earning more than $150,000 and instead use that money to add more police on America's streets and provide health insurance to every child in America. I will fight for, pass, and sign a ban on assault weapons. I will fight for a cap and trade program to stop global warming. My experience and the values I hold define who I am, and I'm confident in my ability to lead this country" - Al Gore

"This election is truly about the heart and soul of America. In 1996, Tom Kean promised the American people he would unite our country behind an agenda which would benefit 100% of Americans. The tax cuts he's implemented have benefited Wall Street, but manufacturing jobs and farm income are down. In the U.S. Senate, I fought for the farm income stabilization program and as President, I'll restore tax cuts for family farmers and I will get us out of NAFTA so we can bring manufacturing back to America. The President promised to reform medicare, medicaid, and social security. In the U.S. Senate, I joined with Al Gore in fighting the President on block-granting medicaid and we won. I will preserve medicare, medicaid, and social security and repay the trust funds within eight years as President. President Kean has allowed funding for infrastructure repairs to expire, I'll extend the Brown administration's infrastructure repair program as President. Finally, this President has opposed an increase in the federal minimum wage. As a U.S. Senator, I fought on a bi-partisian basis for worker retraining programs to help workers have skills needed for high waged jobs. As President, I'll fight to raise the minimum wage and to increase funding for worker re-training programs. This election is about fighting for the middle class, and that's just what I intend to do as President" - Tom Harkin

"In the election to come, Americans deserve a choice. I say we should give them a choice. I've been a Governor for the past seven years and in that time I've had to deal with issues which are being dealt with nationally. All of us up here support major reforms to education, a reversal of President Kean's tax breaks for wealthier Americans, enforcing unfair trade agreements, expanding medicaid, and raising our minimum wage. All of us have fought for the forgotten middle class in America. So, what we should be judged by is our ability to win in the year 2000. I have the ability to unite Democrats and Independents behind a fiscally conservative, socially progressive banner. In Delaware, I have reduced state debt and balanced the budget as required by law. We invested in more police on our streets and in education, but cut spending by consolidating departments of government and privatizing services. I also signed into law a domestic partnership bill for same-sex couples and appointed justices who support a woman's right to choose. I'll happily compare my record to anyone up here. I have a five point plan to renew the promise of America in the new century. First, I will use 100% of the funds from reversing the tax cuts for those earning above $150,000 to pay down the debt. Secondly, I will consolidate the EPA and Department of Energy, as well as the Department of Labor and Commerce. Thirdly, I will sign into law a bill increasing the number of police on America's streets by 20,000 by 2005. Then, I will work with congress to pass stricter penalties against those who commit hate crimes. Then, I will fight to repeal NAFTA and reduce taxes on manufacturers, something this President has refused to do. This is an ambitious agenda, but it's an agenda I believe can win the day and make this next century a great American century" - Tom Carper

"My hope is that in this election, Democrats fight for the values we believe in. I won’t apologize for having one of the most liberal voting records in the entire House of Representatives. Al Gore, Tom Carper, and Tom Kean have avoided confronting some of the underlying issues in education, as it relates to inequality in our society, and in the area of protecting the rights of homosexuals in the military - I didn't vote for Don't Ask Don't Tell, and I will let our homosexual brothers and sisters join the military if that's their desire. As President, I will fight for a single payer universal health care system, a $10.00 minimum wage, universal pre-K, a ban on assault weapons, and an end to subsidies for big oil. In this time of economic prosperity, we aren’t going to win saying the President’s economic policies are failing, but we will win by saying the President isn’t focusing on the issues still confronting everyday Americans. My job, as the nominee of the Democratic Party, is to contrast our values versuses the values the Republicans believe in. I’m proud to have the highest rating by three pro-choice groups in America, to have been endorsed by the National Education Association every year I’ve run for congress, and I’m proud George Soros has endorsed my presidential campaign. It’s time we Democrats admitted we are progressives instead of disguising ourselves as centrists” – Ben Cardin

"I may not be the front-runner in the race, but I believe at the end of the day, Americans want a fresh start and I'm the candidate in this race who offers that fresh start. Let's work to provide every American with health insurance, have public financing of elections, raise our minimum wage, and roll back the Kean tax cuts - which Senator Gore voted for, and instead invest in education and paying down the national debt. The political establishment in Washington didn't like the fact that, unlike Senator Gore, I voted against the balanced budget amendment because I don't believe subjecting social security, medicare, and medicaid to possible cuts is a good thing. Unlike Senator Gore and Governor Carper, I opposed welfare reform because it took powers away from the states. I'm not afraid to take on the tough issues and have the support of individuals, not big money and special interests in Washington D.C. or elsewhere. Democrats like Senator Gore and Governor Carper have supported President Kean on welfare reform, changing the constitution, education policy, and even his social security scheme. I think we should stand up to the Republicans and like Congressman Cardin says, lets offer Americans a real choice in this election" - Dick Durbin

October 5, 1999 - Carper talks 5-point agenda, wins endorsements
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DES MOINES, IA - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Tom Carper won endorsements from Senators Joe Biden (D-DE), Paul Sarbanes (D-MD),  and Chuck Robb (D-VA), as well as Governors Parris Glendening (D-MD), Jim Hodges (D-SC), and Angus King (I-ME). Carper spoke about his top priorities if elected President in 2000. "Education reform, making health care affordable, taking on crime and drugs in our communities, reforming our tax code, and encouraging economic trade internationally are key to investing in the future of our country. My experience as a Governor has taught me how to get things done and we took on these challenges in our state" Carper stated. Carper called for a national math and reading curriculum and for a funded mandate that students with learning differences be given extra help after school. He put forth a health care plan which extended SCHIP to cover every child in the U.S. and called for the creation of allowing the uninsured to pool together through community health pools to lower the cost of insurance with a federal tax deduction for the cost of health care. Carper said he would fight for longer mandatory sentences for hate crimes and would fight to increase funding for drug rehab programs while also encouraging cities to invest in comp-stat to fight crime. Carper called for the full repeal of the Kean tax cuts for those earning more than $150,000. Carper said he would have two income tax brackets - 20% for those earning $150,000 - $500,000 per year and 40% for those earning more than $500,000 per year. Carper also called for an increase in the corporate tax rate from 30% to 35% to help fund medicaid and medicare.

October 15, 1999 - After winning endorsements, Bayh declares self as the "Democrat who can win"
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CHARLESTON, SC - Fresh of winning endorsements from Senator Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL), Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch (D-NY), and Governors Roy Barnes (D-GA) and Former Governor James Blanchard (D-MI), Presidential Candidate Evan Bayh presented himself as the most electable Democratic Presidential Candidate. "I think my record of reducing taxes, balancing eight budgets, and generating a surplus for the last three years in Indiana makes me the most electable Democrat in 2000" Bayh stated. Bayh pledged that if elected President, he would ask the wealthy to pay a 34% income tax rate as opposed to the current 31% to pay for phasing out the employee part of the payroll tax. Bayh also pledged to increase funding for local cops programs, to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act, to enter the Kyoto Treaty, and to use the federal budget surplus to pay down the national debt. Bayh is the only candidate in the presidential race who supports the Kean tax cut for those earning less than $1 million as opposed to under $150,000 and he praised President Kean's position on education policy. However, he was critical of the President's policy as it relates to the minimum wage and medicare.

November 1, 1999 - Gingrich to resign as Speaker to focus on U.S. Senate run, wins President Kean, Vice President Dole endorsements
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ATLANTA, GA - House Speaker Newt Gingrich will resign from his post as House Speaker effective January 5, 2000 to focus instead on his 2000 Georgia U.S. Senate bid. Recent polling has found Gingrich leads the GOP field for the nomination, garnering more than 60%. In a match-up against Incumbent Senator Zell Miller, Gingrich leads 48%-42%. President Tom Kean and Vice President Elizabeth Dole endorsed Gingrich's U.S. Senate race. Gingrich was first elected to the U.S. House in 1978 and became House Speaker in 1991 after Republicans won a majority in 1990.

November 17, 1999 - With White House's urging, Watts to become House Speaker
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WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, who, along with Newt Gingrich, sponsored President Kean's tax cut in the U.S. House and also sponsored President Kean's social security reform plan, was elected by Congressional Republicans to become House Speaker effective January 5, 2000. President Kean supported Watts for the job on the basis that he was "a loyal ally of the white house who stands for the values he believes in." Of the 227 Republicans in the House, 132 supported Watts for House Speaker, while 93 supported the #3 Republican in the House, John Boehner, for the position. 2 members supported Congressman Bob Barr. Outgoing House Speaker Newt Gingrich and House Majority Leader Dick Armey supported Watts for Speaker.

December 1, 1999 - Candidates strategies become apparent as sparks fly in Democratic Primary
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IOWA CITY, IA - Considered by most to be the front-runner for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, Senate Minority Leader Al Gore made his strategy apparent when he told an audience in Charleston, SC that South Carolina would "point the way" towards who would be the Democratic Presidential Nominee in 2000. Gore's campaign has largely skipped the Iowa Caucus and instead focused on winning contests in New Hampshire, Michigan, and South Carolina. The Gore campaign felt that Iowa was a lost cause and that native son Tom Harkin would easily win the caucus. Instead, Gore will campaign in the other early states, where he has made the argument that he is the best positioned to win a general election. Governor of Delaware Tom Carper, considered Gore's main opponent nationally, is focusing heavily on winning in New Hampshire, where Carper hopes his outsider message will resonate with independent voters. Like Carper, long shot candidate Governor Evan Bayh of Indiana hopes that he can win over independent voters in New Hampshire. Bayh has attacked Carper as "unelectable" and criticized Carper for opposing charter schools and a federal constitutional balanced budget amendment. Bayh believes he and Carper are the two candidates most likely to compete for the political center in New Hampshire and beyond. Running as a more populist alternative to Al Gore and Tom Carper, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa has focused on securing victories in his home state of Iowa, as well as Michigan. Carper, running on fair trade, a reversal of NAFTA, tax incentives for manufacturing, and raising the minimum wage, has been the most vocal critic of Al Gore in the Democratic Primary - accusing Mr. Gore of being part of the political establishment in supporting NAFTA, the Kean tax cut, and Tom Kean's social security program. Running as an ideological liberal, Congressman Ben Cardin of Maryland has taken his message to Iowa. He has accused all of his opponents of pandering to the political center, though he rarely mentions any of his opponents by name. Also running as a liberal alternative to the front-runners, Senator Dick Durbin is using his presidential campaign as a platform to attack Congressional Republicans, and he's taking his message to all of the early primary and caucus contest states.

December 8, 1999 - Former President Brown endorses Tom Carper for President
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DOVER, DE - Former President Jerry Brown endorsed Tom Carper for the 2000 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Tom Carper has been a remarkable Governor for Delaware; he understands the need to invest in education and fighting crime while also being fiscally responsible without hurting the middle class and working Americans. What we Democrats need is someone who can win the election in 2000 and can unite this country behind an ambitious agenda, and I believe based on his record and his platform, Tom Carper has the best chance to win and govern" Brown stated.

December 15, 1999 - Former President Dukakis backs Tom Harkin for President
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LANSING, MI - Former President Michael Dukakis backed the presidential bid of Tom Harkin. "I have known Tom Harkin for 12 years and I know he's a man of integrity. My presidency was defined by a commitment to rebuild the middle class and at every step of the way, be it by increasing pell grants for students, reducing the payroll tax for employees, or expanding medicaid. At every step of the way, I could count on Tom Harkin's support. He understands the need for good jobs and a strong middle class, and he's the man I believe we need to lead our country" Dukakis said.

December 18, 1999 - Wilder supports President Kean for re-election
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WASHINGTON, DC - Former Vice President Douglas Wilder endorsed President Tom Kean's re-election after meeting with the President at the white house. A Democrat who was elected Vice President in 1992 before losing re-election to the Kean/Dole ticket in 1996, Wilder says Kean is "the best man for the job." "Four years ago, I ran with President Brown against President Kean and Vice President Dole. I am very proud of my record as Vice President and the record of President Brown. But, I believe that the President and the Vice President have done a great job. They've managed to reform social security and medicare - both considered the third rail of American politics. They have continued to fund environmental cleanup. Obviously, they have been great stewards of our economy since the economy has added 7.4 million jobs since they took office. They have my full support in the year 2000" Wilder stated.

January 4, 2000 - Iowa Caucus: Harkin wins handily
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DES MOINES, IA - Senator Tom Harkin won his home state's caucus by a comfortable margin. With all precincts reporting, Harkin won 44% of the vote, followed by Al Gore with 25%, Tom Carper with 12%, Evan Bayh with 9%, Ben Cardin with 6%, Dick Durbin with 3%, and 1% going to other candidates. Exit polling found Harkin winning with self-described liberals, as well as with voters who considered the economy the top issue. Al Gore narrowly won the votes of independents, with Harkin just two points behind Gore with independent voters. Despite Harkin's overwhelming victory, by a margin of 41% to 38%, caucus voters view Gore as the most electable Democratic Presidential Candidate.

January 8, 2000 - New Hampshire Primary: Tom Carper secures victory, Harkin in surprise second place as Durbin ends presidential bid
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MANCHESTER, NH - Governor of Delaware Tom Carper won New Hampshire's presidential primary, garnering 38% of the vote. Despite polls showing him in fourth or even fifth place, Senator Tom Harkin won 33% of the vote in New Hampshire. Senate Minority Leader Al Gore won just 15% of the vote, a big disappointment to his campaign. In fourth with 8%, Indiana Governor Evan Bayh vowed to stay in the presidential race. 4% of the vote went to Maryland Congressman Ben Carden, while Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois won just 1% of the total votes cast. Durbin ended his presidential bid. Exit polling found that key to Carper's victory was independent voters; Tom Harkin won the votes of the most liberal Democrats, while moderates were evenly split between Carper and Harkin. Independents favored Carper 50% - 28% over Al Gore. Unlike in Iowa, Carper is seen as the most electable Democrat by New Hampshire primary voters.

January 12, 2000 - Michigan Primary: Harkin upsets Gore
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DETRIOT, MI - Senator Tom Harkin and Senate Minority Leader Al Gore spent a long night awaiting a victor in Michigan's presidential primary. In the end, Harkin beat Gore by a mere 7,274 votes - each candidate won roughly 32% of the vote. Governor of Delaware Tom Carper finished third with 25%, followed by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh with 9% and Maryland Congressman Ben Cardin with 1% of the votes cast. Key to Harkin's victory was the support of liberal voters once again. According to exit polling, Harkin beat Al Gore and Tom Carper with liberals, while Gore won with moderates and Carper won the overwhelming majority of independents. Also key to Harkin's victory was voter turnout amongst organized labor who endorsed his 2000 presidential campaign.

January 15, 2000 - South Carolina Primary: Gore wins landslide victory, Cardin withdrawals
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CHARLESTON, SC - As expected, Senate Minority Leader Al Gore won a decisive victory in South Carolina's presidential primary, garnering 60% of the vote. In second place was Delaware Governor Tom Carper with 21%, followed by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh with 9%, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin with 8%, and Maryland Congressman Ben Cardin with 1%. Cardin announced the end of his 2000 presidential campaign.

January 16, 2000 - Bayh exits presidential race, endorses Al Gore
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NASHVILLE, TN - Governor of Indiana Evan Bayh exited the 2000 presidential race and announced his support for Al Gore. "Al Gore has what it takes to lead our party to victory in 2000 because of his experience and the values he is articulating in this campaign" Bayh declared.

January 18, 2000 - Ahead of contests in Delaware, Alabama, Alaska, and Oregon, candidates debate
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"In the U.S. Senate, I have been the strongest advocate for working families. I fought for the farm income stabilization program, for the first minimum wage increase in over a decade, for the largest payroll tax reduction for workers in history, and for the first federal school lunch program in our nation's history. While I was fighting for these things and challenging the status-quo, Senator Gore was sitting down with this President and negotiating a massive tax break for Wall Street, a balanced budget amendment which puts at risk the future of social security and medicare, and he applauded the implementation of NAFTA which has cost us 417,000 manufacturing jobs" - Tom Harkin

"Let me respond to the attempts by my friend Tom Harkin to distort my record. As Senate Minority Whip, I wrote the bill which extended environmental cleanup funding. Along with Orin Hatch, Ted Kennedy, and John McCain I passed the largest children's health insurance bill in history. Working with the President, I fought to add 40 years to the life of social security while reducing the growth of the program for wealthier Americans to preserve it for 95% of Americans. I stopped the President from repealing the campaign finance reforms we put in place under the previous administration, and I took on this President's budgets because it increases defense spending to Cold War levels during a time of peace. I'm proud of my record. When I was opposing President Reagan's cuts to medicaid and food stamps, Senator Harkin was voting for his last three budgets. So, Senator Harkin isn't really fighting for working Americans" - Al Gore

"I think people can look at my record as Governor and what they'll see is someone who can get positive things done. In the last seven years, we have implemented education policies which have allowed for more local control of our schools, but we also demand results and cut state funding from those schools which fail children and use the money to allow parents to send their kids to any public or private school in our state. Our state went from 19th to 8th in education. Government is smaller by some 8,000 workers and we've added thousands of cops to our streets, crime is down in Delaware today. I reformed our tax code to give relief to the poorest in our state while asking the wealthy to pay just a little bit more. I inherited a $290 million budget gap and today, we have a $117 million budget surplus. I'll take my experience in Delaware with me to Washington to reform our education system, reduce crime in our communities, and reform our tax code to help lower income Americans get tax relief" - Tom Carper

"My agenda for this country is very clear. I believe the unfinished work of reversing the tide of global warming through implementing a cap and trade system to reduce CO2 emissions is crucial. Encouraging green energy is also key to ending our dependence on foreign sources of oil. Encouraging trade that is free and fair is key to encouraging further economic growth long term. Banning military style assault weapons and having mandatory sentences for drug kingpins is key to reducing crime and the use of drugs in our inner-cities where drug use has gone up under Tom Kean by more than 25%. I’ll reverse the Kean tax cut for those earning above $150,000 per year and instead add police to our streets and provide health insurance to every child in America. Building on the campaign finance reform we passed under President Brown by limiting corporate donations further is key to giving our government back to the American people. That’s my agenda and I think it’s an agenda which will ultimately win the day in the election of 2000” – Al Gore

“I’ll win in 2000 because I’m the one candidate in this race who is standing up and fighting for working Americans. As I stated earlier, I have a record of fighting for the underdog in the U.S. Senate. We’ve lost 420,000 manufacturing jobs, farm income is down, drug use in our inner-cities is up, and inequality in our society is growing. These issues are not issues we can afford to ignore, and I’m going to make the argument that the policies of this administration are failing the American people. I have specific proposals to combat all of these challenges, the President does not. When we debate in the fall, you will see two very different visions for our future. The President will argue the status-quo is working, I’ll argue that too many Americans are being left behind. His agenda is more of the same, my agenda is a series of bold solutions aimed at helping working men and women in America. I also find it interesting how Senator Gore was one of only 17 Democrats who broke with the rest of us and supported the Kean tax cut which was unpaid for and which primarily benefitted Wall Street and large corporations” – Tom Harkin

“Let me be clear on the issue of the Tax Relief Act of 1997. At the time, I said I believed to pay for the tax cut, those earning more than $150,000 per year should pay more. I voted for the tax cut because it was an opportunity to eliminate the income tax for those earning less than $75,000 while giving a 20% tax cut to middle class Americans. Additionally, small and medium sized businesses got their largest tax break in history. I stand by my vote. It was the right vote. In my career, I have voted for $2 trillion in tax reductions and $200 billion in tax increases. By contrast, Senator Harkin has voted for $600 billion in new taxes and just $300 billion in tax reductions. Believe me, the Republicans will make an issue of that in the general election” – Al Gore

"I'm the only candidate on this stage who has actually balanced a budget, in fact I've balanced 8 of them. For the first time in decades, the United States federal government has a budget surplus. Last year it was $80 billion, we will have a $200billion surplus this year and by 2004, that number is expected to be close to $310 billion. The question is, what will we do with this surplus? President Kean proposes half the surplus be used for paying down the debt, 25% of it will go to the military, and the remainder of it will go towards medicare, social security, and balancing the budget. I agree with the first part of his proposal, but I don't believe we should be using surplus money to balance the budget when we should be balancing the budget through general revenue funds. I don't believe we should increase the defense budget when the pentagon never asked for it. I believe that the remaining half of the surplus should go towards social security and medicare" - Tom Carper

"I do believe there are some differences between us on foreign policy as well as domestic policy. Senator Gore voiced disappointment in President Dukakis that he didn't send troops to Kuwait to confront Saddam Hussein. Senator, our military should always be well equipped and well funded, but we shouldn't be intervening in places where our national security interests are not at stake. I don't believe in nation building or intervention just because we don't like someone unless there is humanitarian issues or national security issues at stake. I voted against my party when President Brown sent troops into Kuwait and unfortunately, Senator Gore supported that conflict" - Tom Harkin

"Senator Harkin, Saddam Hussein has a long history of violating the rights of the innocent. He was a threat to the United States. Today, he has kicked out weapons inspectors. We can't trust a madman like Saddam Hussein to acquire weapons of mass destruction. President Kean has placed sanctions against Iraq, and I voted for the President's sanctions. Only 3 U.S. Senators, yourself included, voted against those sanctions. Senator, I have voted against President Kean's increases in defense spending because you are correct, the pentagon never asked for them. But, I also understand that there is a role for the United States to play in foreign affairs. Senator, you have voted to slash our intelligence budget multiple times, you've voted against sanctions towards Saddam Hussein, and you voted against funding our troops when President Brown did send them to Kuwait. That record is abysmal in my opinion" - Al Gore

"Senator Gore defends voting with the Republicans on foreign policy, tax cuts, a balanced budget amendment, welfare reform, the environment, and social security. How is he going to represent our party if he supports this administration on a host of issues?" - Tom Harkin

January 19, 2000 - Democrats divided in 4 contests
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DOVER, DE - As expected, Governor of Delaware Tom Carper handily won his home state's presidential primary, finishing ahead of Al Gore 51% - 30%, with Tom Harkin in third with 18% of the vote. Mean while, Al Gore secured a victory in Alaska's presidential caucus, winning 37% of the vote ahead of Tom Harkin with 33% and Tom Carper with 29%. Gore also won a victory in Alabama, where he won 42% of the vote ahead of Mr. Harkin at 35% and Mr. Carper with 22%. In Oregon, Tom Harkin won 41% of the vote ahead of Al Gore with 30% and Tom Carper with 27%.

January 27, 2000 - President Kean signs litigation reform into law, Democratic candidates divided over the law
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Tom Kean signed The Tort Reform Act of 2000 into law, creating national guidelines for loser-pay laws in some civil court cases. Additionally, the law capped certain damages related to medical care at $250,000, with a provision to allow judges to rule that the cap doesn't apply in certain cases. The law passed with the support of all House Republicans, as well as 79 House Democrats. In the U.S. Senate, the law passed 85-15, with 14 Democrats and 1 Republican opposing the law. Democratic Presidential Candidate Tom Harkin voted against the bill, arguing it gave too much power to judges and wouldn't allow a case by case examination of torts related to medical care. Senate Minority Leader Al Gore, also running for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, worked with the white house and House Speaker JC Watts on the law. Gore argued while not perfect, loser pay laws were important. Democratic Presidential Hopeful Tom Carper said he also supported the law.

February 2, 2000 - Democrats still divided over nominee, Independents go for Carper
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WASHINGTON, DC - A nationwide poll of Democrats found that Democratic primary voters were divided as to who their nominee for President should be. Of the 77% of those polled who said they were registered Democrats, 34% said they would be supporting Al Gore for President, followed by 32% for Tom Harkin, and 30% for Tom Carper. Of the 23% who said they were independents, 40% said they supported Carper, followed by Gore at 30% and Harkin at 29%. Additionally, the poll found that half of primary voters believe that Al Gore is the most electable general election candidate. However, the poll also found that Tom Harkin is viewed as the most representative of Democratic Party values.

February 7, 2000 - Super Tuesday
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WASHINGTON, DC - Voters in 14 states cast their vote for who should be the Democratic Presidential Nominee in 2000. Polling before the primaries showed Al Gore leading in 8 states, Tom Harkin in 4, and Tom Carper in 2. But, Mr. Gore and Mr. Harkin each won 6 states, while Mr. Carper won just 2. Al Gore, the senate minority whip, secured victories in his home state of Tennessee, as well as Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Arizona. Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator from Iowa, won contests in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Illinois, West Virginia, and Minnesota. Tom Carper, Governor of Maryland, secured victories in New Jersey and Maine.

February 10, 2000 - Tom Carper withdrawals from presidential race
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NEW CASTLE, DE - Governor of Delaware Tom Carper announced the end of his 2000 presidential campaign at a press conference in New Castle, DE. "For more than a year, I have had the privilege to travel this great country promoting our success here in Delaware and offering a vision for the future of our country. Democrats and independents flocked to my campaign, and we did far better than anyone expected just a few weeks ago. But, it has become clear than unfortunately, I will place third when everything is said and done. So, today, I offer Senator Gore and Senator Harkin my concession" Carper stated.

February 14, 2000 - Gore, Harkin seek to gain an advantage in lead up to contests in Maryland and California
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BALTIMORE, MD - Seeking to gain an advantage in the Democratic Presidential Primaries, candidates Al Gore and Tom Harkin began focusing their rhetoric on criticizing the Republican congress, and each other. "My opponent has voted for higher taxes 115 times, he's voted to slash intelligence funding, and he opposed balancing the budget and welfare reform - how does he expect to win a general election with a record like that?" Al Gore asked an audience in Maryland. "Republicans in congress who have failed to address the rising cost of prescription drugs, an achievement gap in education, and a climate crisis would love to see Tom Harkin representing our party" Gore added. Mean while, in California, Mr. Harkin went after Mr. Gore. "Al Gore has supported the Republicans in Congress on welfare, social security, taxes, education, NAFTA, litigation, and changing the constitution - how does he expect to represent our party when he doesn't stand up for our values, that's the question primary voters have to ask" he stated. Of all the votes cast, the race is tight. Al Gore has 3,204,423 votes so far, compared to 3,201,345 votes for Harkin. Tom Carper had 1,908,745 when he exited the presidential race. Of the 1,402 delegates needed to win, Harkin leads Gore 409 to 323.  

February 17, 2000 - Survey finds rough road ahead for Democrats, Kean popular
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WASHINGTON, DC - A nationwide survey found a tough road ahead for whomever Democrats nominate for President. According to the survey, President Kean's approval rating stands at 70%. 97% of Republicans and 71% of independents approve of the President's job performance and surprisingly, 44% of Democrats also approve. 64% of Americans believe the United States is headed in the right direction and 71% believe the economy has improved since Kean took office. In the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, Senators Al Gore and Tom Harkin are tied at 47% - with Gore leading with moderates 49% - 46%, Harkin leading 50% - 44% with liberals, and Gore leading with independents 45% - 44%. Gore does best in a general election, but not by much. President Kean leads Al Gore 51% - 33% in a hypothetical matchup, while he leads Harkin 53% - 33%. Key to Kean's lead is his strong support amongst independent voters, and his tie with both potential Democrats amongst female voters. Kean also manages to garner 28% of Democrats against Harkin and 25% of Democrats against Gore.

February 21, 2000 - Tom Harkin wins California Primary as Al Gore wins Maryland
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BALTIMORE, MD - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore won a decisive victory in Maryland's presidential primary, defeating Senator Tom Harkin 53% - 46%. In California, Harkin beat Gore by 4,902 votes. Each candidate garnered roughly 48%.

February 24, 2000 - Tom Harkin wins Indiana, South Dakota Primaries
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BEND, SD - Senator Tom Harkin won two primaries in Indiana and South Dakota. In Indiana, Harkin defeated Senate Minority Leader Al Gore 55% - 44%, while he beat Gore 57% - 41% in South Dakota.

February 29, 2000 - Fearful of a divided party, Gephardt calls on presidential hopefuls to agree to finish primary season by March 10
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WASHINGTON, DC - Fearful his party would be divided in the general election, House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt called on presidential candidates Al Gore and Tom Harkin to end the primary season by March 10. "We have contests coming up in Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. My suggestion is that after these states vote, whoever is ahead should declare victory and the second place finisher should end their campaign, we need to focus on winning in the fall" Gephardt declared at a press conference. As it presently stands, Mr. Gore leads Mr. Harkin 4,302,097 to 4,117,203 in the popular vote, but Mr. Harkin leads Mr. Gore 879 to 704 in the delegate count.

March 2, 2000 - Gore, Harkin participate in final debate before primaries in Kentucky, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Hawaii
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"Since NAFTA has gone into effect, manufacturing has seen the loss of over 117,000 jobs in the last two years. Before 1990 and today, 420,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. Senator Gore voted for NAFTA and President Kean implemented it. I'm the only candidate in this race who supports fair trade, I'll enforce trade agreements which aren't being enforced today and if they are bad agreements, I'll end them. NAFTA isn't working and it puts the U.S. at a disadvantage, so I'll get us out of it. Both Senator Gore and President Kean support free trade without enforcement mechanisms or demanding our trading partners adhere to human rights and wage standards as well as environmental protection and safety standards. I think that's wrong and I'll stop it as President" - Tom Harkin

"I'm proud of my vote in favor of NAFTA. Free trade gives the United States the opportunity to export our products while foreign companies can invest in American jobs. Since NAFTA was implemented, foreign investment in American jobs and communities is up by $800 million in just two years. Revenue to the federal government from that investment is up over $2 billion. The question we have to ask is, will the worker's of tomorrow be able to compete? I think we have to improve our education system by raising standards and investing in both higher education and technical schools to have the best trained workforce for the future. I also believe that we need to make our communities safer by banning dangerous assault weapons and adding police to our streets so businesses will invest in our inner cities and communities across this country. That's how we succeed moving forward" - Al Gore

"Senator Gore supported President Kean's tax cut, supported the President on social security, he voted for the President's constitutional balanced budget amendment, he supported the House Republicans on welfare reform, and he voted to slash farm subsidies three times since President Kean took office. I don't see how the nominee of our party can be someone who supports President Kean so much - in fact only two senators in the Democratic Party voted with the President more often than Senator Gore. Senator Gore voted with President Kean 30% of the time last year, I voted with him 4% of the time last year. That's a big difference" - Tom Harkin

"Part of leadership is presenting your vision, as I have always done, but then getting things done. The reason the President's plan didn't privatize social security as House Republicans talked about was because I worked with him and told him Democrats would oppose privatization. We did manage to add 40 years to the life of the program. I did support welfare reform because I believe that welfare should be temporary, not a way of life. The reason President Kean didn't eliminate farm subsidies is because myself and two other Democrats told him that wasn't acceptable. Senator Harkin has voted for higher taxes 115 times, to slash funding for human intelligence, against cutting subsidies to big oil, and against the federal government prosecuting the tobacco industry for misleading consumers for decades. I have a record of working with people to get things done, my opponent does not" - Al Gore

"Be it my plan to raise the minimum wage, repeal NAFTA, cut taxes for manufacturers, invest in worker re-training, or create health insurance pools for lower income Americans not eligible for medicaid so they can have health insurance, my agenda is meant to help lower income Americans realize the American dream and move ahead. We need to bring manufacturing jobs back to America while also training displaced workers new skills. We have to help make health care more accessible, and we need to invest in education for every child in America. Look, I'm not the candidate of the political establishment in this race, I get that. I'm simply fighting for the forgotten middle class and working families in this campaign. The Republicans are telling everyone that everything is great and hasn't been better, but 420,000 manufacturing jobs lost, a 14.7% poverty rate, and growing inequality in both income and education simply is not acceptable to me" - Tom Harkin

"What brought me to this presidential race was what I'm witnessing across America. I see inner-cities with high rates of crime and failing schools. I see rural communities without internet or opportunities for higher education. I see suburbs where drug use is out of control. No one can doubt that the economy is doing well. But, I don't believe we are addressing some of the most critical issues of our day. I also see a climate in crisis - global temperatures are rising and the air we breathe in many parts of this country aren't as clean as we'd like. I intend to be the President to help win the war on drugs, improve our schools, make our communities safer, and combat global warming. Of all three candidates running, I have the most experience and more importantly, I have the most bi-partisian record of getting things done" - Al Gore

March 4, 2000 - Harkin wins 3 of 4 primary contests
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CHAPEL HILL, NC - As polling indicated, Senator Tom Harkin handily won presidential primaries in Hawaii and Wisconsin, defeating Al Gore 55% - 44% in Wisconsin and 62% - 37% in Hawaii. Harkin upset Gore in winning North Carolina's presidential primary, 50% - 48%. In Kentucky, Al Gore defeated Harkin 52% - 47%.

March 8, 2000 - Poll: Harkin takes lead in Democratic Primary, trails Kean in general election as does Gore
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National Democratic Primary
Tom Harkin 49%
Al Gore 44%

Montana Democratic Primary
Tom Harkin 47%
Al Gore 46%

Nevada Democratic Caucus
Tom Harkin 49%
Al Gore 41%

Utah Democratic Primary
Tom Harkin 47%
Al Gore 45%

General Election Match-Ups
Tom Kean 54%
Tom Harkin 34%

Tom Kean 53%
Al Gore 34%

Kean Approval
Approve: 72%
Disapprove: 25%

Congress Approval
Approve: 57%
Disapprove: 40%

March 14, 2000 - Harkin wins trio of primaries
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Tom Harkin secured victories in Utah, Nevada, and South Dakota. He defeated Al Gore 57% - 42% in Utah, 60% - 38% in Nevada, and 51% - 48% in South Dakota.

March 21, 2000 - Gore wins Texas as Harkin wins Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa won Pennsylvania's Democratic Presidential Primary, defeating Al Gore 54% - 44%. In Texas, Gore beat Harkin 53% - 46%.

April 2, 2000 - With Democratic Primary dragging on, Kean kicks-off general election with three state bus tour
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CLEVELAND, OH - As Democrats continue to compete against each other for votes, President Tom Kean did his first general election bus tour through Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. "Over the last four years, you and I have put in place important reforms. We've reduced taxes, passed a constitutional balanced budget amendment, begun to rebuild our military, repealed half of the regulations that have been implemented over the last two decades, we have added 40 years to the life of social security, and we have begun to reform our schools with more local control and choice. Working together, we have achieved what many believed was not possible. I am confident that with your help, we can move our nation forward with hope and confidence" the President stated.

April 8, 2000 - Harkin wins New York primary
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ALBANY, NY - Democratic Presidential Candidate Tom Harkin secured victory in New York's presidential primary, defeating opponent Al Gore 55% - 44%.

April 15, 2000 - Harkin wins Wyoming, Colorado Primaries
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DENVER, CO - Democratic Presidential Candidate Tom Harkin defeated opponent Al Gore 57% - 42% in Colorado's presidential primary, while he beat Gore 60% - 39% in Wyoming's presidential primary.

April 23, 2000 - Three Senate Democrats back Kean for re-election
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WASHINGTON, DC - Three moderate Democratic U.S. Senators announced they would support the re-election of President Tom Kean. Senators Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) all declared their support for the President's re-election, citing his efforts to reach across the aisle, the state of the economy, and his support for a Democratic-backed bill to extend funding for environmental protection as reasons for the endorsement.

May 1, 2000 - Gore wins Florida as Harkin claims victories in North Dakota, Montana
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BOCA RATON, FL - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore won Florida's presidential primary, defeating Tom Harkin 55% - 44% as Harkin defeated Gore in North Dakota, 67% - 32%, and Montana, 59% - 40%.

May 8, 2000 - Harkin wins primaries in Kansas, Nebraska, Washington
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TOPEKA, KS - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Tom Harkin won presidential primaries in Kansas, Nebraska, and Washington. He defeated opponent Al Gore 60% - 38% in Kansas, 58% - 40% in Nebraska, and 55% - 44% in Washington.

May 14, 2000 - With victory of less than 5,000 votes in Missouri, Harkin clinches 1,402 delegates to become Democratic Presidential Nominee
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Senator Tom Harkin defeated Senate Minority Leader Al Gore by 4,884 votes in Missouri's Democratic Presidential Primary. As a result, Harkin won the needed 1,402 delegates to become the Democratic Presidential Nominee. In the total popular vote nation wide, Gore still leads Harkin 6,502,002 to 6,344,798. However, Harkin leads Gore 1,404 to 1,298 in the delegate count.

May 15, 2000 - BREAKING: Gore calls for Missouri recount, refuses to end presidential bid
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Arguing that he was entitled to a recount following Missouri's presidential primary, Senate Minority Leader Al Gore declared that he asked the secretary of state in Missouri to conduct a recount given the close margin of the primary results. Gore said he would not end his presidential campaign. "In our democracy, it is critical that every vote counts. I believe that we still do not know the results of last nights primary given absentee ballots still coming in" Gore stated.

May 15, 2000 - Despite Gore not exiting presidential race, Harkin accepts victory as Democratic Presidential Nominee.
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Senator Tom Harkin declared victory in the Democratic Presidential Primary despite Al Gore not exiting the presidential race. "I respect Senator Gore's service in Vietnam and in the U.S. Senate. If he wishes to wait until all 575 absentee ballots are counted in Missouri, that is his decision. However, we have won the needed delegates and I can claim today that I am the Democratic nominee for President in the year 2000. Our campaign has always been about standing up and fighting for working families. President Kean will defend deregulation of Wall Street, tax breaks for the rich, and unfair trade agreements which ship our jobs overseas. I'll argue for a higher minimum wage, enforcement of trade agreements, the repeal of NAFTA, tax relief for farmers, worker re-training programs, investing in education, and health care for every child in America" Harkin told reporters.

May 18, 2000 - Gore: Missouri agreed to recount 10,000 votes
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore declared that the state of Missouri agreed to recount 10,000 votes from the Democratic Presidential Primary.

May 21, 2000 - Harkin wins North Carolina Primary
CHAPEL HILL, NC - Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa won North Carolina's presidential primary, 60% to Al Gore's 38%.

May 24, 2000 - Missouri recount: Harkin wins by 4,233 votes
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Missouri officials announced that Senator Tom Harkin had won Missouri's Democratic Presidential Primary by 4,233 votes following a partial recount conducted by the state secretary of state office.

May 25, 2000 - Harkin wins New Mexico, D.C., and North Dakota primaries
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SANTA FE, NM - Iowa Senator Tom Harkin defeated Senate Minority Leader Al Gore 57% - 42% to win New Mexico's presidential primary. He also beat Gore 77% - 22% in Washington D.C. and 62% - 37% to win the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary

May 27, 2000 - Al Gore concedes Defeat after placing 2nd in delegate count, 1st in popular vote
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NASHVILLE, TN - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore conceded the Democratic Presidential Nomination to Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa after his campaign declared they saw no way of beating Harkin without going through a lengthy process due to the fact that although Gore had won more votes than Harkin, Harkin led in the delegate count. Gore won the votes of 6,375,192 primary voters, compared to 6,227,023 for Harkin. However, Harkin beat Gore 1,433 to 1,172 in the delegate count. "Just moments ago, I spoke with Senator Tom Harkin and offered my concession as we work together to unite our party and country behind his presidential campaign. If I thought there was a chance I could win this nomination, I wouldn't back down. But, Senator Harkin has won the needed delegates to become our party's nominee for President. I told him I would do everything I can to ensure he is elected as our next President. Our campaign was about solving problems and making a difference for every American. Throughout my public life, I have sought to do what is right for all Americans. I'll continue that fight. I want to thank my wife, Tipper, our children, and my entire group of friends, supporters, as well as my extended family for their support and guidance. Above all else, I want to thank the voters who supported me and the volunteers who brought us this far. I also want to thank my tireless and skilled campaign team for their hard work" Gore stated at a live address.

June 1, 2000 - Poll: Kean leads for general election
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Tom Kean 53%
Tom Harkin 32%

June 17, 2000 - President Kean takes re-election message to blue states
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ROCHESTER, NY - Dominating nation wide and state polls, President Tom Kean took his re-election campaign to New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin as part of a three day bus tour to try and help Republicans in blue states. President Kean promoted economic growth spurred by tax relief and he spoke about fiscal responsibility as he did in other states, but he also spoke of the successful passage of SCHIP, environmental protection, and bi-partisian social security reform while in the trio of Democratic states.

July 5, 2000 - Harkin picks Toricelli for Vice President
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WAYNE, NJ - In an effort to try and win President Kean's home state of New Jersey while pleasing the Democratic Party establishment, Senator Tom Kean announced that Senator Robert Toricelli of New Jersey would be his running-mate in the 2000 election. "Senator Toricelli has been a leading advocate for working men and women and their families. He helped fight for low interest student loans and fought for increased funding for worker re-training programs as a member of Congress. In the senate, he has taken on Tom Kean on issues like medicaid, the environment, and a lack of funding for our roads. Robert Toricelli will fight for working people in America as Vice President" Harkin said of Toricelli.

July 18, 2000 - Poll: Kean has 30 point lead in NJ, wins all swing states, tie in Michigan
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New Jersey
Tom Kean 64%
Tom Harkin 34%

Ohio
Tom Kean 62%
Tom Harkin 22%

Pennsylvania
Tom Kean 55%
Tom Harkin 35%

Florida
Tom Kean 60%
Tom Harkin 21%

Colorado
Tom Kean 54%
Tom Harkin 21%

Iowa
Tom Kean 49%
Tom Harkin 40%

New Hampshire
Tom Kean 52%
Tom Harkin 39%

Nevada
Tom Kean 52%
Tom Harkin 19%

Michigan
Tom Harkin 45%
Tom Kean 45%

Wisconsin
Tom Kean 50%
Tom Harkin 37%

New Mexico
Tom Kean 57%
Tom Harkin 20%

West Virginia
Tom Kean 55%
Tom Harkin 39%

New York
Tom Kean 47%
Tom Harkin 33%

August 4, 2000 - Toricelli accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination
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"This campaign is about what we intend to do in this new century. In a time of great economic prosperity for some, many have been left behind. This administration has failed to use this era to help more kids go to college. They have failed to fight the drug epidemic which plaques our cities and suburban communities. They have failed to expand access to the internet in rural America. They have failed to combat global warming. Our mission is clear. Fight for hard working men and women by fighting for a higher minimum wage, access to health care, college loans, worker re-training, and enforcement of our trade agreements. This administration has had four years to help working people, and they have failed. We will succeed because Tom Harkin and I entered public service to fight for the forgotten and those without a voice. Americans yearn for leadership which focus on the many and not just a privileged few. We have a plan to help grow this economy for everyone, not just Wall Street and the well to do in our society. So, what do Tom Harkin and I propose? First, we'll raise the federal minimum wage. We'll fight to expand medicaid and SCHIP to cover 100% of children in America with health care and to expand access for low income adults as well. We will repeal NAFTA and enforce all trade agreements, plus we will repeal those trade agreements without enforcement mechanisms and those which ship our jobs overseas. We will encourage college education by expanding the low interest student loan program and increasing the number of available pell grants. We will reverse the Kean tax cuts for the wealthy to help pay for these proposals while still balancing the federal budget. We will fight to expand the worker re-training program. Also, Tom Harkin and I will get illegal guns off our streets with a ban on assault weapons this administration and House Republicans have opposed. We will increase aid to community colleges to invest in worker re-training programs. Unlike this administration, Tom Harkin and I will support a prescription drug benefit for medicare to help our seniors afford the medication they need. We won't be investing billions of dollars in the military the pentagon didn't ask for, but we will invest in adding police to America's streets that Mayors and police departments across America have been asking for over the last four years. Our fight is your fight and we will stand up for every American" - Robert Toricelli accepting Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination

August 5, 2000 - Tom Harkin accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"What I have seen in America for the last two decades, but especially over the last four years under Mr. Kean is growing inequality, more drug use amongst those residing in suburbs and inner-cities, a growing gap between success and failure in education, farm incomes falling, and a federal government which increasingly is controlled by special interests. I decided to get into this presidential race to offer Americans an alternative to the failed polices of the Kean administration. American workers shouldn't have to beg anyone to help them pay to improve their skills, and they should be able to get a job which pays more than $7.00 per hour. American farmers shouldn't have to worry about bankruptcy because of one bad season, and they shouldn't have gotten a tax increase under this administration. Parents shouldn't have to worry about providing health care to their kids. Kids shouldn't have to worry about if they'll have the ability to afford a college education or not. We all shouldn't have to worry about the safety of our communities because they all should be safe. Be it fighting to expand health care access under medicaid for lower income Americans, sponsoring legislation expanding the farm income stabilization program, or leading the fight to expand the number of pell grants for students, I have always been on the side of working families. As President, I want to combat the growing inequality in our society. Tom Kean does not see these challenges because to him, so long as Wall Street and the largest corporations in America succeed, everyone else must be doing okay. We know differently, and it is incumbent upon us to recognize the challenges we really do face and confront them. The truth is, drug use in America is up 29% over the last five years. Farm incomes have fallen by an average of 5% in the last four years, the largest four year drop since the Great Depression. The bottom 10% of schools in America have seen their steepest decline since the 1950s. The number of Americans lacking health insurance has actually risen from 12.7 million in 1990 to nearly 15 million today. 427,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since 1990, and 121,000 have been lost under President Kean. CO2 emissions in the United States have risen by 8% since 1996 alone. College attendance has remained roughly flat for three years straight under this President. I do not believe that is an acceptable record, and I seek to change course after the year 2000  " - Tom Harkin

August 14, 2000 - Vice President Elizabeth Dole accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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"President Kean and I have worked with you, the American people, to implement important reforms to restore economic opportunity and growth while also protecting our country. Since we last convened four years ago, we passed the largest tax reduction in our country's history, providing relief to all taxpayers but especially middle and lower income Americans and small and medium sized businesses. We have repealed half of the regulations passed under the previous two administrations. We have not only balanced the federal budget and gotten a constitutional amendment to do so passed, but we have now generated a surplus because 9.4 million Americans have found work, incomes are up, welfare rolls are half of what they were in 1996, and international trade is up. America has made a historic comeback and today, we have seen historic economic growth. When we took office in 1997, the average growth rate of the previous 24 months was 2.9%. Over the past 24 months, the average growth rate has been 4.2%. Inflation is a record low today. The poverty rate has fallen from 15.2% when we took over to 14% today. We have added 40 years to the life of social security and we have reduced the cost of medicare through competition. We are investing in growing our military and our human intelligence agencies. Educational test scores and high school graduation rates are at record highs. We have over 200 fewer environmental waste sites than we did in 1996. Despite the great success of these last four years, our opponents argue America is going through an era of great inequality and hardship. Even Senate Minority Leader Al Gore called Senator Harkin ridiculous and misleading for making such claims during the Democratic primary. As Senator Gore pointed out then, Senator Harkin has voted for higher taxes 115 times, against a balanced budget amendment, against reforming welfare, against saving social security, and against local control of education. Senator Harkin's out of touch with the great things Americans have achieved over these past four years. He proposes the largest tax increase in history, half a billion dollars in new spending, and a larger and more powerful federal government. We offer greater economic freedom and prosperity, and a safer world for our kids" - Vice President Elizabeth Dole accepting Republican Vice Presidential Nomination

August 15, 2000 - President Tom Kean accepts Republican Presidential Nomination
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"Four years ago, when I took the oath of office, I told the American people that while I had a political party I was a member of, I would be a President who sought to work with all Americans to reform government and change America. Over the last four years, everything that we have accomplished together came from working together. We have achieved things some said were impossible. We passed the largest tax reduction in our nation's history, balanced the budget, added 4 decades to the life of social security, passed important reforms to make medicare less expensive through more competition, reduced the number of regulations passed by the previous two administrations in half, opened up our markets by implementing NAFTA, invested in environmental clean up, increased funding for veterans health care, expanding health care for the poorest children in American, higher standards in education while providing for greater choice and local control, passed historic litigation reform, have begun to invest more resources to rebuilding our military and human intelligence communities, and turned deficits into surpluses not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. 9.4 million new jobs, rising incomes, welfare rolls half of what they were four years ago, crime rates going down every year, record educational achievement, and greater retirement security benefit all of us equally. Over the next four years, I again challenge all of us to work together. We know that we can work together to bring about the positive change we all seek. Today, I'm calling on all of us to commit to moving America forward. We must work together to reform our health care system to bring down costs and encourage the private market to do so. We have to work together to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. We must work together to reform our nation's broken immigration system. We need to encourage scholarships so more people can afford a good college education. We should work to invest in worker re-training programs for displaced workers. It's time we fundamentally reform government by passing comprehensive ethics reform. We must both continue to build on the success of the last four years, and move forward with confidence, hope, and vision. My hope is these next four years bring an era of unity and optimism like never before, and I know we can achieve great things together" - President Tom Kean, accepting Republican Presidential Nomination

September 1, 2000 - Kean campaign launches "Democrats for Kean" coalition, Wilder & Lincoln to co-chair
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MORRISTOWN, NJ - President Tom Kean's 2000 re-election campaign announced that Former Vice President Douglas Wilder and Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas would be co-chairs of a "Democrats for Kean" coalition, similar to the "Democrats for Reagan" coalition formed in 1980 and 1984. Wilder and Lincoln agreed to promote President Kean's re-election with Democrats, especially in states such as New York, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, and New Hampshire where polls showed good news for the Kean campaign.

September 15, 2000 - President Kean talks second term agenda during speech in Wisconsin
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MADISON, WI - President Tom Kean spoke about what his second term agenda would be if re-elected. Kean said that he would continue the current policies he implemented, but also outlined a few new proposals. Kean said he would fight for legislation allowing people to purchase health insurance across state lines and to make it illegal for health insurance companies to deny coverage for those with pre-exisitng conditions. Kean also said he supported an insurance pool for those with pre-existing conditions to reduce costs. The President also pledged to complete the southern border fence and to reform the nation's immigration system. Kean supports a temporary guest worker program and a pathway to legal status for those in the country illegally. Kean said that like his opponent, he supported a medicare prescription drug benefit for seniors, but said his plan would cover 90% of the costs while also allowing generic medications to be covered under his plan, something his opponent has not proposed. Kean also said he supported the idea of tax-free scholarship programs for businesses to help students go to college. Kean also pledged to reduce the employee portion of the payroll tax for hourly workers if re-elected.

September 25, 2000 - Ross Perot endorses Tom Harkin for President
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CLEVELAND, OH - 1996 Independent Presidential Candidate Ross Perot announced he was supporting Tom Harkin for President in 2000. Perot, a businessman, said Harkin's opposition to NAFTA and support of raising the minimum wage compelled him to make an endorsement. "I believe that Tom Harkin is on the side of the people. He challenged the establishment of his own party and won this nomination, now he's challenging the President and my hope is he wins in November" Perot stated.

September 27, 2000 - Democratic Governors back Kean in re-election bid
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Governors Tony Knowles (D-AK), William Donald Schaefer (D-MD), Jim Hunt (D-NC), Don Siegelman (D-AL), Jim Hodges (D-SC), and Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS), endorsed President Tom Kean's re-election. The Governor's cited Kean's fiscal management, aid to states for environmental protection, SCHIP, and his education policies as reasons for the endorsement.

September 29, 2000 - Harkin, Gore join forces for major rally in Ohio despite reports of tension
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COLUMBUS, OH - In an effort to show party unity, one-time opponents Tom Harkin and Al Gore campaigned together in Columbus, Ohio. "I'm here today because Tom Harkin has the experience to lead America, and he understands that we need to make a difference for ordinary people by investing in education, health care, the environment, and we need to stop growing inequality in our society" Gore stated. Reports had surfaced throughout the general election campaign that big time Democratic Party donors who supported Gore during the primary season and former Gore staffers refused to support Tom Harkin in the general election. Rumors also surfaced that Gore was angered by Tom Harkin not offering him the vice presidential nomination.

October 2, 2000 - Former Democratic Presidential Candidate endorses President Tom Kean for re-election
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Former Democratic Presidential Candidate and Governor of Indiana Evan Bayh declared he would support President Tom Kean's re-election. "I'm going to be crossing party lines and supporting President Kean for re-election. I believe President Kean is better able to get things done on a bi-partisian basis than Tom Harkin is" Bayh stated at a press conference.

October 4, 2000 - Koch endorses Kean, speaks out against Harkin, praises Gore & Bayh
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WASHINGTON, DC - During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Former Mayor of New York City Ed Koch endorsed President Tom Kean's re-election and said his party needed to take a new direction. "I think the President has done a decent job, there is always room for improvement but he's done a good job overall. My candidate was originally Evan Bayh because I felt he offered Democrats the direction our party should move in - he's fiscally conservative, socially more progressive, and he understands the need for bi-partisianship" Koch stated. Koch also bashed Tom Harkin. "Tom Harkin first ran for office in Iowa as a moderate, he ran as a fiscal conservative but once he got to Washington, he voted for a lot of wasteful programs. He is too much of an ideologue in my opinion" Koch added. Koch also said he believes the party will lose in 2000 and move in a different direction. "We are going to lose this year, there is no question about it. Our party, I think, should focus on what type of economy we want going forward as opposed to trying to make up this notion that this economy is weak, we need to discuss where we go from here, not what has already happened. We became too ideological this year. My guess is we will lose in 2000, but as we did after the McGovern loss, we will focus on the next two elections - my guess is Al Gore will be back in 2004 and frankly, between Tom Harkin and Al Gore, Gore's vision for the future is a lot more appealing than Senator Harkin simply yelling all the time" Koch added.

October 7, 2000 - First Presidential Candidates Debate
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“I’m very proud of my record over the last four years. When we took office, our country was experiencing an era of stagnant growth. We implemented policies to turn the economy around. We provided the largest tax relief in history, cutting income taxes for 94% of Americans, including eliminating income taxes for working people. We cut the capital gains tax, the corporate tax, and we created a flat 10% tax for small and medium sized businesses.  By closing loopholes and some deductions, what would have been a $1.2 trillion cost us $300 billion, which are making up for with increased revenue. We implemented NAFTA, repealed $20 billion worth of economic regulations, invested an additional $4 billion in worker re-training programs, and this year we passed historic tort reform. 9.8 million jobs have been created, median income is up by $2,000 where as it fell every year between 1988 and 1997, welfare rolls are half of what they were in 1996, foreign investment in America has hit a historic level, inflation is at it’s lowest level in decades, poverty has fallen from 15.7% to 14%, and we turned deficits into a surplus this year. I plan on continuing these policies and implementing new ones to continue to move our country forward with confidence and hope” – Tom Kean

“The President cites all of these numbers and yes, in some sectors and above higher income Americans especially, the economy is strong. But, for too many, this economy hasn’t lived up to the promises this administration has made. The average farmer today makes over $1,500 less than he did in 1996. In fact, farm profits are down. The average wage of a factory worker has remained flat for two years in a row now. The cost of health care is up by an average of 5% since the President took office in 1997. Seniors are paying nearly 20% more today than they were in 1996 for their prescription drugs. The cost of energy has risen by 12% since 1995. This President has not dealt with the economic issues facing farmers, working Americans, and the elderly. Instead, he has been satisfied with a status-quo where the well to do are way better off and the poorest are not. I’m proud of my record of fighting for those left behind for my entire career. The farm income stabilization program, the Medicaid expansion, and the increased pell grants for college tuition we saw under the previous two administrations are all things I fought for in the U.S. Senate. I think my experience would enable me to be a better steward of this economy” – Tom Harkin

“I have stated multiple times that a lot of the work we’ve done over the last four years will enable us to do even more in the next four. The surplus that we have today will enable us to keep taxes low without running a deficit while paying into medicare and social security. Additionally, we will begin paying down our debt – which ha fallen over the last four years, but we have a ways to go before it’s paid off. With respect to Senator Harkin, 80% of my tax cut went to those earning under $500,000 per year and businesses with fewer than 200 employees. 57% of the income tax cut went to those earning less than $75,000 per year. It’s middle class jobs we’ve created and it’s the middle class who have seen their incomes rise. The wealthiest Americans saw their incomes rise by an average of 1.7% in 1999, compared to 2.1% for those earning $52,000 per year. That’s my record. You have voted to raise taxes 115 times including for the largest middle class tax increase in history. You voted against a constitutional balanced budget amendment, against litigation reform, and against adding 40 years to the life of social security. Again, I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish since 1997” – Tom Harkin

“There are six things I plan on focusing on during my first days and months as President. The first thing is expanding the worker re-training program. President Kean’s $4 billion has reached 35 of 50 states, I’ll expand that program to rural communities as well as suburban ones. Secondly, unlike President Kean, I will fight to raise the minimum wage from $7 per hour to $8 per hour. Thirdly, I will fight for and sign into law a ban on assault weapons, something this President has resisted. I will also fight for and sign into law the ability of the federal government to offer low-interest loans for college students. Fifth of all, I’ll expand Medicaid and SCHIP to cover every child in America with health insurance and poorer adults. The sixth thing is reversing the aid to farmers this President has slashed by 65%. We need to be investing in our people as opposed to giving tax breaks for the wealthy, which is why I will repeal the Kean tax cuts for those earning more than $150,000 per year and use that money to pay for my programs and balance the budget” – Tom Harkin

“There are several things I plan on fighting for over the next four years. First of all, I will continue to make sure that the policies we’ve implemented over the last four years work effectively. I recently laid out a health care plan aimed at lowering the cost of health care by allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines, allowing people with pre-existing conditions to pool together to get cheaper health care with federal tax credits or subsidies, and I will encourage congress to pass a health care savings account bill into law. I also have stated I’ll finish the border fence and work with congress to establish a temporary worker program and a path to legal status in a second term.  A third item I’ll push for is one Senator Harkin and I actually agree on, that is a prescription drug benefit for seniors and low income Americans as part of medicare. If we allow for generic medications to be purchased under this plan and if we allow for competition, we will see the cost of these medications lowered and we’ll save money long term. In a second term, I will also fight for opportunities for scholarship programs from businesses for our young people so they can afford a college education. We are in a position to do great things over the next four years and beyond, and it would be my honor to lead that effort for the next four years” – Tom Kean

“My views on gun control are that not enough is being done today to combat the illegal gun trade. I think our police officers and law enforcement officials in general are in need of newer technology and the ability to make sure those who are breaking the law are caught. Part of this effort is banning assault weapons, which have no place in our society for civilians. But, I respect the right to keep and bear arms for law abiding Americans and I always have” – Tom Harkin

“My administration has presided over a reduction in overall crime by a third and every year I’ve been in office, violent crime has fallen more and more – we have seen a reduction in violent crimes by 44% since I took office four years ago. The fact is, the federal government sent $17.2 billion in aid to local law enforcement agencies when I took over as President. Today, we are spending $23.4 billion. We have also passed, on a bi-partisan basis, three strikes your out sentencing for non-violent drug offenders and we have actually increased mandatory sentencing for violent crimes committed with an illegal handgun from a minimum sentence of 8 years to 16 years. But, my position on gun control has been that I believe in background checks but respect the right to keep and bear arms” – Tom Kean

“One of the things House Republicans have cut is funding for family planning clinics and they don’t just perform abortions. Contraceptive access has been reduced because Newt Gingrich slashed federal funding for poor women to be able to get the right kind of contraceptives and medications. Instead of standing up to Newt Gingrich, the President slashed funding for family planning by 60% since 1997. I will not only preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose, but I will fight to restore that funding for family planning” – Tom Harkin

“My administration has funded federal health clinics for lower income Americans at the same levels President Brown funded them. President  Brown increased funding for federally insured health care clinics by 25% and we haven’t cut that by a penny. The House Republicans supported cutting funding from planned parenthood and I said we need to fund these clinics at present levels, which we have done. But, let me make this clear. I believe that as a matter of public policy, women should have a right to choose in the first and second trimesters. That is what the supreme court said, that is what I have to uphold, but I do not support federal funding of abortions, nor do I support partial-birth abortion” – Tom Kean

“We have done three critical things over the last four years as it relates to education. First, we said that children with learning differences have to get the help they need in any school paid for by taxpayers. This was not an unfunded mandate, we increased aid to local education by $20 billion per year to help communities pay for extra help. Secondly, we said that federal tax dollars would follow a student to a private institution if parents decided that they didn’t want to send their children to a public school. Third of all, we raised standards by stating that if the average test score and grade of a student is below average, the school would have a six-month window to either turn things around or lose federal funding. I intend to continue these policies in the next four years because they have worked in increasing test scores in reading, English, and math” – Tom Kean

“This President increased education funding by $20 billion in 1997, but it has remained flat ever since. As a result, thousands of inner-city schools have had to lay off teachers and keep the same textbooks. I’ll increase federal funding to local education and instead of trying to encourage folks to abandon public education, I’ll fight for uniformity in the educational curriculum. I believe we must encourage greater scientific and English teaching in our schools, and I will create partnerships between the federal government and states to make that a reality. Now, the President points to an increase in test scores and grades. But, in reality, there is a growing gap in education. The increases have taken place in wealthier zip codes across America. Our inner-cities aren’t seeing the same results. Test scores in the President’s home town of Livingston, New Jersey where the median income is over $90,000 per year are up by 60% since he took office. But, in Los Angeles, test scores are up by 2%. In Detroit, they are down by 15%. There is a growing gap between rich and poor in education as well as the economy” – Tom Harkin

October 12, 2000 - Dole, Toricelli participate in Vice Presidential Debate
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"I believe my fitness to be Vice President of the United States comes from experience in the private sector, in nonprofit, in government, and in my training as an attorney. I'm very proud of my record, the President's record, and the American people's record of the last four years. In the eight years before we took office, we saw stagnant growth and growing deficits, today we have the strongest economy perhaps in history and budget surpluses. We came together as a country and reduced taxes and regulations, opened up our markets, and passed historic litigation reform. We've also managed to come together to save social security, reform medicare, and invest in education and health care for children whose families can't afford to provide them with health insurance. Our opponents propose the largest tax increase in history and a return to the failures of the eight years before we took over" - Elizabeth Dole

"I'm qualified to be Vice President of the United States because I have been an advocate for working Americans throughout my career and life. I helped write the bill that increased pell grants for low income students, I led the fight to stop Ronald Reagan and the Republicans from slashing medicare by 12%, I fought the Republicans when they were fighting to cut funding for HUD by $2 billion, and I'm proud to have fought three times to expand the earned income tax credit for the working poor. I have the experience necessary to advise the President of the United States. But what this really comes down to is vision. What I have seen from this administration is an ideological movement, they go through the motions of pushing an agenda that is purely ideological, and they use it to try and fool people into believing everything they've done has been flawless. Tom Harkin and I are not fighting for an ideology, we are fighting to stand up for working people in this country who have been failed by this President" - Robert Toricelli


October 17, 2000 - Kean, Harkin debate foreign policy & national security
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"In 1997, I outlined a program to rebuild our military to Reagan-era levels while increasing funding for human intelligence, technology, and arms for our military. We've begun implementing that program. We have updated our weapons systems and have more intelligence personnel today than at any time in our history. The United States is taking a lead in stopping extremism globally while promoting human rights. We have placed crippling sanctions against Saddam Hussein which have begun to weaken the Iraqi economy and as a result, his ability to manufacturer more WMD, and we are still waiting for him to come forth and allow weapon inspectors back into Iraq. We have stood up and led in the area of encouraging human rights in China, and we are making progress in pressuring the Chinese to respect the rights of their people. We have built alliances with Latin America in the area of trade. Foreign investment in America has hit a record high as we have encouraged free trade. We have an obligation to protect the American people from threats both foreign and domestic while encouraging economic development, human rights, and trade globally as we have for the last four years." - Tom Kean

"The fact is, President Kean's massive increase in defense spending will be, when it's all said and done, the second largest defense spending increase in history. The issue is, the cold war is over. That's why we have been able to spend less on the military, we haven't cut troop pay, but we have been able to reduce the size of the military slightly and we were able, until the President changed course, to keep our existing weapons systems in storage rather than invest billions of dollars towards new ones no one in the pentagon asked for. Additionally, this foreign investment in America the President talks about has helped the very wealthy, but over 120,000 Americans who worked in manufacturing four years ago have lost their jobs. I think defense spending should be 2% of our total GDP, that's what it was when this President took office and it should stay that way. Additionally, we have to enforce unfair trade agreements and repeal those trade agreements, such as NAFTA, which either have no enforcement mechanisms or are not being enforced because our trading partner is cheating. By the way, the President talks about China, China is cheating on trade through currency manipulation and this President has done nothing about it. I'll restore America's place as a world superpower by promoting fairness and equality worldwide" - Tom Harkin

October 25, 2000 - Kean, Harkin participate in final debate
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"My fellow Americans, over these last four years we have come together as Americans to reform government and change policy in Washington D.C. We joined together to pass the largest tax relief in history, bills to save medicare and social security, a balanced budget amendment, sweeping litigation reform, an expansion of the previous administration's environmental cleanup bill, historic reforms in our education system, an expansion in health care for the poorest children in our society, and the rebuilding of our military. As a result of our common purpose and hard work, the American economy has created nearly 10 million new jobs since 1997, incomes are up as poverty has fallen, we turned deficits into a surplus, we have seen record educational achievement, inflation is at a historic low, and welfare rolls are half of what they were in 1997. It is important that we continue on the progress of the last four years for the next four. Together, we can reform our health care system so working people can afford insurance, solve the immigration issue in a way which is compassionate but respects the rule of law, help our seniors afford their prescription drugs, make sure our VA system has the state of the art hospitals, and encourage scholarship opportunities for our young people. I'm asking for your vote because I believe that these next four years must be an era of unity, hope, and confidence for all Americans. We are moving in the right direction, and we must move America forward. My opponent and his running mate are good people, with good intentions. But, we simply do not agree on the issues. My opponent, has voted 115 times to raise your taxes, he's voted on three different occasions to slash funding for human intelligence, he voted against NAFTA, and he opposed adding 40 years to the life of social security. Now, he offers the largest tax increase in history, more cuts to our military, and allowing special interests to receive special tax treatment. We simply have different views. I have tried to bring Americans together regardless of backround, income, or political party. I think we have come together as one nation to solve the challenges confronting us. America has made a comeback over the last four years, and I'm asking for your supporting in leading us forward into the new century" - Tom Kean

"My fellow Americans, this election offers a stark contrast between the President and myself. The President is a good man who loves his family and his nation, but I don't believe the decisions he's made have benefitted 100% of Americans. His policies have hurt manufacturers and farmers as Wall Street and the largest corporations in America have seen unprecedented growth in their wealth. The gap between rich and poor has grown not only in income, but in educational achievement as well. Much of the educational achievement the President speaks of has occurred in the wealthiest zip codes in America. Of the ten largest cities in America, eight have seen their educational test scores either remain flat or decline. Drug use has grown under this President and yet, funding for drug prevention has actually been cut by this administration. Farm incomes have fallen as the family farm has seen their bottom line decline due to this President's cut in tax breaks for farmers. Thanks to NAFTA and other unfair trade agreements, over 120,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since 1997. This record is not acceptable to me, and I know America can do better. In the United States Senate, I have a strong record of protecting farmers and manufacurters, having fought to expand the farm income stabilization program and voted against NAFTA and other trade agreements which haven't been beneficial to our economy or to the rights of workers worldwide. I have taken on the establishment of my own party when I took on this President over education policy because I haven't see him really commit to smaller class sizes and merit pay, two things I believe are crucial to the future of education in America. I stood with members of my party in calling for the President to sign a ban on assault weapons to reduce crime in our inner-cities, the President has failed to act in this area. I plan on correcting the failures of this administration as President. I'll repeal the President's tax cut for the wealthiest Americans and instead provide health care to every child in America, invest in education, and of course as now legally required, balance the budget. I'll fight to raise the minimum wage because American workers deserve to be able to earn a living wage. I'll repeal NAFTA and other unfair trade agreements in which our trading partners are either cheating or where enforcement mechanisms are enabling cheating. I will join the Kyoto Treaty and create tax incentives for alternative sources of energy so we can stop global warming. My fellow Americans, I have the experience to lead our nation, I have been fighting for working families my entire career, and I humbly ask for your support in this election because together, we can restore the promise of America for all of our citizens" - Tom Harkin

November 2, 2000 - Election: President Kean wins historic victory, GOP picks up 2 U.S. Senate seats, 14 House Seats
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Tom Kean / Elizabeth Dole (R) 60% 451 EV
Tom Harkin / Robert Toricelli (D) 39% 87 EV
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Exit Polling - Election 2000

By political party
Republican - Tom Kean 99% Tom Harkin 0.5%
Democratic - Tom Harkin 74% Tom Kean 25%
Independent - Tom Kean 57% Tom Harkin 42%

By ideology
Conservative - Tom Kean 99% Tom Harkin 0.1%
Moderate - Tom Kean 58% Tom Harkin 41%
Liberal - Tom Harkin 82% Tom Kean 17%

By income
Less than $30,000 - Tom Harkin 51% Tom Kean 48%
$30,000-$60,000 - Tom Kean 49% Tom Harkin 49%
$60,000-$120,000 - Tom Kean 59% Tom Harkin 41%
$120,000-$250,000 - Tom Kean 63% Tom Harkin 37%
Above $250,000 - Tom Kean 66% Tom Harkin 34%

By ethnicity
White - Tom Kean 64% Tom Harkin 36%
Black - Tom Harkin 84% Tom Kean 16%
Hispanic - Tom Kean 50% Tom Harkin 49%
Asian - Tom Harkin 52% Tom Kean 47%
Other - Tom Harkin 55% Tom Kean 44%

By gender
Male - Tom Kean 62% Tom Harkin 37%
Female - Tom Kean 58% Tom Harkin 41%

Five Closest States
New York - Tom Kean 49.7% Tom Harkin 49.3%
Minnesota - Tom Kean 49.8% Tom Harkin 49.2%
Iowa - Tom Harkin 50% Tom Kean 49%
Maryland - Tom Kean 51% Tom Harkin 48%
Delaware - Tom Kean 51% - Tom Harkin 48%

Five strongest Tom Kean wins
Georgia - Tom Kean 74% Tom Harkin 25%
Idaho - Tom Kean 72% Tom Harkin 27%
New Jersey - Tom Kean 71% Tom Harkin 28%
South Carolina - Tom Kean 65% Tom Harkin 34%
Oklahoma - Tom Kean 63% Tom Harkin 37%

Five strongest Tom Harkin wins / showings
Washington D.C. - Tom Harkin 79% Tom Kean 20%
California - Tom Harkin 53% Tom Kean 46%
Rhode Island - Tom Harkin 52% Tom Kean 47%
Massachusetts - Tom Harkin 51% Tom Kean 48%
Iowa - Tom Harkin 50% Tom Kean 49%

Most important issue
Economy 28%
Taxes 20%
Foreign Policy 19%
Education 12%
Health Care 12%
National Debt 6%
Trade 2%
Other 1%

Newt Gingrich elected to U.S. Senate
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ATLANTA, GA - Newt Gingrich, who served in Congress from 1978-1999 and as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-2000, won his election to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent U.S. Senator Zell Miller 55%-44% in Georgia.

Key events of President Tom Kean's second term, January 20, 2001 - January 1, 2003
January 20, 2001 - President Tom Kean and Vice President Elizabeth Dole are sworn in for a second term
March 27, 2001 - President Kean signs into law The Watts Amendment, House Speaker JC Watts's bill mandating all companies with contracts with the federal government making public campaign contributions they've made to all federal candidates
June 28, 2001 - President Kean signs into law the Health Care Reform Act, establishing a federal health care savings account, allowing people to buy insurance across state lines, making it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, and establishing a pool for individuals with pre-existing conditions to get inexpensive insurance with federal subsidies
October 27, 2001 – Congress votes to give President Kean the authorization for the use of force against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq
December 18, 2001 – President Kean announces that for the first time in three years, Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein allowed weapons inspectors back into this country
February 15, 2002 – President Kean signs into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Cost Containment Act, allowing seniors to purchase their prescription drugs through medicare at a discounted group rate. The cost of the program will be $300 billion over a decade, or about $30 billion per year. The plan would be paid for by a 5% increase in medicare premiums for households earning $200,000 or more at the time of retirement.
May 23, 2002 – President Kean announces that the federal government will issue $17 billion in bonds over a five year period to update several VA hospitals across the nation
August 4, 2002 – President Kean signs into law a bill banning partial-birth abortion. The bill was written by House Speaker JC Watts (R-OK), Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN).
November 17, 2002 – President Kean signs into law the Secure the Fence Now Act, which mandates that the southern border fence is complete by January 1, 2004. The bill’s cost is $2 billion over two years.

January 7, 2003 - Gephardt running for President in 2004
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WASHINGTON, DC - House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt declared his intention to run for President a second time in the 2004 presidential election. "President Kean's trade policies have failed American workers, his tax policies have benefitted Wall Street, and his health care policies have benefitted the insurance companies. I'm announcing today that I'm a candidate for President because I want to repeal the Kean tax cut for the very wealthy and provide health insurance to every American. I plan on promoting fair trade, not free and unfair trade. As President, I will fight for the forgotten middle class and make sure America always protects not only the wealthy few, but all of it's people" Gephard stated.

January 25, 2003 - Vice President Elizabeth Dole running for President
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CHARLESTON, SC - Vice President Elizabeth Dole announced she would seek the Republican Presidential Nomination in the 2004 election. "I'm declaring my candidacy for President of the United States in the 2004 election. Thanks to the policies of the last eight years, we have seen the longest era of economic prosperity in our nation's history. Our world is safer because of our commitment to protecting Americans and promoting freedom, free markets, and capitalism worldwide. We have seen a great American comeback over the last eight years, and I firmly believe we need to continue the American comeback moving forward" Dole told supporters.

February 4, 2003 - Al Gore to seek presidency in 2004
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NASHVILLE, TN - Senate Minority Whip Al Gore announced he was, for a third time, seeking his party's presidential nomination. "I'm declaring today my intention to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for President in 2004. I believe our country is at a crossroads. There is no doubt the economy has grown over the last eight years, but what we need to focus on is what do we do with this prosperity? Do we invest in our people, do we protect our planet, and do we do what is right in this world, or do we simply tell ourselves that we should just sit back and use this moment for our own selfish purposes? I think Americans are ready for a President with the right experience and who challenges our country to reach for the stars" Gore stated.

February 25, 2003 - Vilsack launches presidential bid
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DES MOINES, IA - Governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack declared his intention to run for President in 2004. "What we are facing today in Washington is a Republican controlled agenda which ignores the needs of ordinary Americans. For too long, the poorest Americans have been stuck in a cycle of poverty because Washington has not invested enough resources in broad worker re-training programs, internet access for rural communities, crime prevention in inner-cities, and a living wage for suburbanites. We must call for change. That's why I'm running for President" Vilsack declared.

March 17, 2003 - George Pataki running for President in 2004
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York George Pataki declared his intention to seek the 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination. "Like Tom Kean, I have balanced budgets, cut taxes, and made government smaller. I want to continue the policies of the Kean administration, but I want to do even more to make government smaller and more accountable. We can win this election by reaching out to independents and Democrats, and I believe I have the best chance of doing so" Pataki told supporters.

April 4, 2003 - Quayle to seek 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination
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INDIANPOLIS, IN - Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle declared he would be a candidate for President in the 2004 election. Quayle, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1981-1999, as Governor of Indiana since January of 2001, and as George Bush's running-mate in the 1988 presidential race, announced his second presidential bid, promising to be the conservative alternative to Elizabeth Dole. "I am a candidate for President of the United States. I believe that we need a strong, conservative President in the year 2004. I will be that conservative leader, as I have spent the last two and a half decades fighting for conservative values. I'll fight for a flat tax, a constitutional human life amendment, the end of the Federal Department of Education, and conservative judges as your President" Quayle told supporters.

April 12, 2003 - Ted Kennedy to seek Democratic Presidential Nomination
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BOSTON, MA - Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts declared he would seek the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "The work of challenging our country to move forward has not been finished by this administration. Until our air and water is sufficiently clean, every American has health care, social security and medicare are truly preserved, and our tax code is fair, our work is not yet done. So today, I announce, that I will be a candidate for President in the 2004 election" Kennedy stated.

April 27, 2003 - Poll: Dole, Gore lead
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GOP Nomination
Elizabeth Dole 50%
Dan Quayle 27%
George Pataki 22%

Democratic Nomination
Al Gore 34%
Richard Gephardt 22%
Ted Kennedy 20%
Tom Vilsack 10%
Other 14%

May 17, 2003 - Rockefeller running for President
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DOVER, NH - Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia entered the presidential race. "I think I can offer my experience in both foreign policy and domestic affairs, my electability as a moderate Democrat from a red state, and my work with both Republicans and Democrats on the important issues of the day" Rockefeller told reporters after announcing he was running for President in 2004.

May 24, 2003 - Bill Clinton running for President
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HOPE, AR - Bill Clinton, who served as Governor of Arkansas from 1983-1993 and as Secretary of Commerce from 1993-1997 under President Jerry Brown, declared he would be a candidate for the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "As Governor of Arkansas, I balanced budgets, cut taxes for working families, rewarded good teachers with better pay, and reduced poverty by investing in job training and infrastructure. I think we need an outsider in Washington to get things done in America" Clinton stated.

June 1, 2003 - Democrats strongly oppose Watts bill to define marriage through a constitutional amendment, white house doesn't take a position as Republican candidates remain divided
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WASHINGTON, DC - Democrats in both houses of congress and those seeking the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination opposed an effort by House Speaker JC Watts to amend the constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. Of the six Democrats running for President, only Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) said they supported same-sex marriage. Senator Kennedy said the Watts amendment was "ridiculous and political" as Vilsack called it "a disgrace to the institution of congress." Senate Minority Leader Al Gore and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt came together and promised to block Watt's bill. Both Gore and Gephardt oppose same-sex marriage, but support civil unions. Presidential Hopeful Senator Jay Rockefeller argued the issue was a state issue and that Watts was "playing politics." On the Republican side, Governor of New York George Pataki said he also believed that same-sex marriage was a state issue, while Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle voiced support for the constitutional amendment. Vice President Elizabeth Dole did not take a position and said she would support whatever President Kean decided.

June 5, 2003 - At press conference, President Kean opposes constitutional amendment defining marriage, argues states should make the decision
WASHINGTON, DC - President Tom Kean declared he opposed House Speaker JC Watt's proposed constitutional marriage amendment. "I believe that issues such as this one, which are not of a nature where the federal government has traditionally been involved because of the original intent of the constitution, should be left up to the states" Kean stated.


June 12, 2003 - Kennedy pledges ambitious agenda, wins support from liberals
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IOWA CITY, IA - Senator Ted Kennedy, Democratic Presidential Candidate, put forth an agenda he believed would "help all Americans reach for the stars." He has won endorsements in the past two weeks from Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Senator John Edwards (D-NC), Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Former Governor of New Jersey Jim Florio, as well as the National Education Association and The Sierra Club PAC. Kennedy proposed repealing the Kean tax cut for those earning more than $75,000 per year and providing universal health care to every American. Kennedy also proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $9 per hour, supporting universal pre-K at the federal level, increasing federal funding of stem-cell research, and doubling the number of college pell grants over eight years. "Our success as a country will be defined by our investment in human capital and in the good we do in this world" Kennedy stated.

July 7, 2003 - Rockefeller talks issues on NBC's "Meet the Press"
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WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Jay Rockefeller discussed why he entered the 2004 presidential race and what he hoped to accomplish if elected President on NBC's "Meet the Press." Rockefeller said he would use the budget surplus to make the largest investment in history into medicare, eliminate the employee part of the payroll tax, and create national education standards in math and reading. "I think we have an extraordinary opportunity to really make an investment in our schools and to make a large payment in medicare. These are two crucial issues because the President has actually cut payments into medicare and local aid to education has remained flat for a few years now, we have to make investments where necessary while also balancing the budget" Rockefeller stated.

August 2, 2003 - Bill Clinton talks presidential agenda in New Hampshire
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Secretary of Commerce Bill Clinton pledged to expand college pell grants, raise standards in education, create even stricter work requirements in welfare, end all corporate tax loopholes, and increase penalties for drug kingpins if elected President in 2004. "What we need to do is focus on enhancing the idea that we as a society should expect equal opportunity for all and shared responsibility from all" Clinton stated.

August 5, 2003 - Dole wins Ames, IA straw poll
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Elizabeth Dole 1,907
Dan Quayle 1,794
George Pataki 402

August 15, 2003 - Running to the right of Dole, Quayle wins support from social conservatives
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IOWA CITY, IA - Pledging to fight for a 15% flat tax for incomes above $75,000 per year, abolishing the federal Department of Education, passing the Watts-backed human life amendment, and appointing conservative justices, Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle stated he was the "clear conservative choice" for President in the 2000 election. "I'm running for President because I believe that life, family, and freedom are the values which define our society" Quayle stated. Quayle picked up endorsements from prominent social conservatives, including televangelist Pat Robertson, Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and activist Gary Bauer.

August 18, 2003 - Group of U.S. Senators endorse Al Gore in presidential bid
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DOVER, NH - U.S. Senators Barbra Boxer (D-CA), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Daschle (D-SD), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) endorsed Al Gore's presidential bid. The senators said they felt Gore had the best chance of winning in the 2004 election, and argued that Gore was best fit to serve.

August 24, 2003 - Giuliani endorses Dole over Pataki
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ALBANY, NY - Senator Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) endorsed Vice President Elizabeth Dole for President over his own Governor. Giuliani, who served as Mayor of New York City from 1994-2001 before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, had endorsed Democratic Governor Mario Cuomo over GOP challenger George Pataki in the 1994 New York Gubernatorial Election. Giuliani, a close ally of the Kean administration, endorsed Dole, arguing she "was by far the best qualified candidate for President and the best able to lead a united country."

September 4, 2003 - Watts backs Dole for President
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CHARLESTON, SC - House Speaker JC Watts endorsed Elizabeth Dole's 2004 presidential bid at an event in South Carolina. "Elizabeth Dole is a proven leader who has worked with the President and Republicans in congress to make government smaller, more efficient, and more accountable. Today, we have an economy which is prospering. I'm confident that by keeping Republicans in the majority and electing Elizabeth Dole as President, we can continue to ensure that our economy prospers by keeping taxes low and allowing the free market to work" Watts stated.

I'm loving the timeline. That 2000 Presidential election was quite the wipeout, too.

May I ask the state of the internet in this timeline? I noticed that a Windows 2000-looking screenshot of the Gore 2000 campaign website in California exists.

Thank you for your kind words.

To be honest with you, I hadn't given the state of the internet much thought, that's a great question though.

September 15, 2003 - GOP Presidential Candidates Debate, lay out priorities
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Question: What makes you stand out in this primary field of candidates?

"In the last six years, Americans have experienced the longest time of economic prosperity in our nation's history. Today, inflation is at it's lowest levels in fifty years, welfare rolls are down by 65%, 15.2 million jobs have been created since President Kean and I took office, we have seen three straight years of budget surpluses, we cut the national debt from $4 trillion to $2.8 trillion, foreign investment in America has seen historic levels, home ownership is up by 15%, the size of government is smaller by about 30,000 civilian workers, and the tax burden on middle and lower income Americans is down by 25%, yet federal revenue is up 45% since 1997. For eight years, President Kean and I have given power back to the American people and promoted economic growth. The question is, where do we go from here? I believe we have to keep taxes low, keep government small, and keep our markets open. But, there is more work to do. President Kean and I have used the surplus to invest in our military, pay into medicare and social security, and pay down the national debt. I will continue that trend but as our surplus grows, I'll also act to reduce medicare premiums on lower income seniors from 10% of health care costs to 5%. I will reduce the tax rate on small business from 10% to 8% by the year 2007. I will block-grant three programs to states: funding for housing and urban development, federal pell grants, and medicaid. That will save taxpayers $120 billion per year. I'll also push for more federal funding for charter schools within existing education spending so we can encourage competition and results in education. We must ensure that our nation lives within it's means, continues the economic growth of the last six years for another four, and we should always fight for the rights of states in the interest of limited government" - Elizabeth Dole

"We have reached a defining moment in our history. Will we use the economic prosperity of the last six years to advance our national interests, will we call for a preservation of our moral values, or will we waste this moment on petty consumption and irresponsibility? In the United States Senate, I'm proud of my 18 years as amongst the most conservative senators. Under President Reagan, I fought for conservative judicial nominees and won a reputation for supporting the President's investment in our navy. I stopped the tax increases Presidents Dukakis and Brown fought for. I'm proud to have worked closely with the President and the Vice President in passing tort reform, which has helped businesses expand and grow since they no longer have to worry about frivolous lawsuits and court battles. As Governor of Indiana, I cut taxes on working families, passed a ban on late term abortion before the federal bill was law, and led the effort to have the largest charter school program in state history. There is a choice for Republicans in this election. I have proposed a 15% flat tax on those earning above $75,000 per year - that's a huge tax break for millions of Americans. I have said that as President, unlike Vice President Dole, I will fight for and sign the House Speaker's federal marriage amendment into law. My administration will get the federal government out of the area of education, we won't spend more as the Vice President has supported doing. I will end the Federal Department of Education and send education spending back to the states, we need local control that is truly local, Washington bureaucrats shouldn't be making the decisions parents and teachers should make. I commit that I will appoint judges who are strict constructionists, who interpret the constitution as it was written and intended. My administration will be committed to censoring inappropriate internet content in schools across this country. I signed a bill into law last year doing so in the State of Indiana. I believe our nominee for President must stand up and fight, and have a record of fighting for, the conservative values we all believe in so deeply" - Dan Quayle

"We have a balanced budget, a surplus, the lowest tax burden in history, and an economy which has seen tremendous growth. I think the three of us on this stage agree, our focus should be on moving us forward, where as our friends on the Democratic side are re-litigating the decisions of the last six years, despite having lost the 2000 election in the largest landslide in U.S. history in the popular vote. This election will be decided about this simple question: who can be a good steward of our economic prosperity, and who can continue to move us in the right direction? I've been a Governor for the last eight years, I've balanced budgets, cut taxes, and reformed government. I have that experience. My opponents in this primary are good people, but I have more experience running a government than anyone in this presidential race. As President of the United States, I plan on fighting to use some of the surplus for economic development in rural regions as well as investing in free enterprise zones in our inner-cities. I believe even more can be done to promote economic growth in areas which have grown at a slower rate than the national average. I also believe that we need to do even more to encourage more free trade with latin America through increasing federal free enterprise zones. Additionally, we must win the war on drugs and to do that, I'll appoint an attorney general who is tough on crime, and we'll stop illegal drugs from pouring across our southern border. I am very optimistic about the next four years. I have what it takes to win this election, I'll reach out to Democrats and independents, and I have the experience to lead this country" - George Pataki

Question: What is the biggest challenge facing the United States today?

"I believe that the biggest challenge facing the United States of America is whether or not we will continue the economic growth of the last six years during the next administration. Let's keep in mind that despite historic gains during the Reagan administration, Michael Dukakis's economic policies led to a recession followed by stagnant growth. The Democrats seeking the presidency this year offer us a return to the Dukakis-Brown policies of more spending, more regulations, protectionism, and bigger government. If we keep taxes low, keep regulations at a minimum, keep our markets open, and keep in place the litigation reform we passed, our economy will continue to flourish. I believe that tax cut for small businesses and working Americans, making sure the federal reserve has a strong monetary policy, being competitive in a global economy, and continuing to balance the federal budget will help us continue to grow" - Elizabeth Dole

"The biggest challenge facing Americans in the election of 1996 was the economy. As has been said, we are growing and if I'm elected President, we'll continue to grow with a flat tax and a de-regulation of our energy sector. But, the challenge of the election of 2000 is, morally, what will America look like in the year 2005? I believe that promoting family and traditional values, we will restore the America we've all grown to know and love. I believe that we must protect human life, preserve marriage as an institution between one man and one woman, and we have to get filth off the internet in our schools and public libraries. The sanctity of the American family will not only preserve the moral fiber of this nation, but it will keep the American workforce the best educated and productive" - Dan Quayle

"I think the issue of education is the defining issue of this campaign. In New York, we created a bill of rights for all students and increased funding for special classrooms for special learners. Local aid to education increased 17% while I was Governor, and we established opportunities for high school students to learn at our public colleges. We also increased scholarship opportunities for those colleges. As President, I will pursue a bill of rights for students and increased opportunities for scholarships. I'll fight for a more flexible curriculum at the federal level. I disagree with Governor Quayle on eliminating the Department of Education, I simply support more local control but we still need basic standards. I'm pleased to see our test scores improve to historic levels, but while 85% of schools in America have seen improvement, 15% have remained flat or have seen their test scores reduced. My view is that we need to rethink education at the federal level, not expand the role of the federal government in education as the Democrats want us to" - George Pataki

September 17, 2003 - Former President Jerry Brown backs Dick Gephardt in presidential bid
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DES MOINES, IA - Former President Jerry Brown endorsed House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt in his bid for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Dick Gephardt is the candidate in this race most committed to ending the unfair trade agreements which ships jobs overseas, and he is the candidate in this race committed to funding public education and infrastructure projects. In the end, I have the most confidence in Dick Gephardt to beat the Republicans in 2004" Brown stated.

September 27, 2003 - Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate
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"I'm running for President of the United States because I believe I best represent the values of the Democratic Party. Over the last decade, I have fought for the values of our party in congress - I supported the expansion in medicaid, raising the minimum wage, funding for education and environmental cleanup, and campaign finance reform. I opposed the implementation of NAFTA and Tom Kean's tax cuts for the well to do in our society. As President, I'll reverse NAFTA and bring jobs back to America. I'll repeal the President's tax breaks for the rich and provide health care to every American. I'll raise our minimum wage and stand up for worker's rights globally. I'll stop Tom Kean and JC Watts in their assault on public education and fund smaller class sizes and merit pay for teachers, as well as student loans for the poorest kids who want to go to college. I'm running for President because I believe it's time we restore the promise of America for all of our people" - Dick Gephardt

"The reason I entered politics was because I have a conviction that to fix what's wrong, we must do what is right. For more than two decades, I've taken on the gun lobby, big tobacco, and the big polluters. I not only fought for the medicaid expansion, I helped write the law. I also wrote the law which got the Republicans to join with us in extending environmental cleanup funding. I'm the only candidate on this stage who supported, on a bi-partsian basis, a constitutional amendment balancing the budget. My plan for this country does include a balance budget. I propose we use the surplus to pay down the debt, invest in education and more police in our streets, and I think we should create new tax incentives for research and development of green technologies to fight global warming. I believe we should reverse the tax cuts on capital gains above $300,000 and use that money to provide health insurance for every American child. We Democrats aren't going to win by believing in the big government policies which dominated our party in the 1960s and 1970s. We are going to win by investing in our communities and allowing local folks to do more, by combating global warming, and by paying down our national debt" - Al Gore

"I categorically reject Al Gore's assertion that we abandon the principles of our party. He certainly abandoned those principles when he went behind closed doors and supported this President's tax breaks for the rich and his health care plan which hasn't helped millions of Americans have access to health insurance. As for Mr. Gephardt, he said the idea of universal health care was unrealistic, and he voted for President Reagan's budget cuts in medicaid and food stamps, then voted with this President in supporting litigation reform which has let Wall Street run wild. I plan on repealing the Wall Street tort reform bill the President passed, I plan on fighting to tie the minimum wage to inflation, and let's provide health insurance to every single American. I don't believe we Democrats must pander to voters, I think if we level with the American people about our nation's long term challenges, they will give us a mandate to meet those challenges" - Ted Kennedy

"The question for us Democrats is not which one of us is the most ideologically pure or who has the most experience, all of us are Democrats and we all have unique experience. The question comes down to who can beat the Republicans. I have spent the last part of six months going to Iowa, New Hampshire, and elsewhere explaining to folks the Republican agenda. They want to pass another round of tax cuts, cut funding for family clinics, privatize social security, and restrict access to health care. We have seen evidence of this in congress and in the rhetoric they use on the campaign trail. I have put forth a positive agenda which includes a promise to cover every American with health care through subsidies and allowing folks to pool together, I've called for a 30% flat tax on incomes above $250,000 per year, and I've called for a full repeal of this President's medicare prescription drug program because it's nothing but a give away to the pharmaceutical industry. Let's provide everyone with health care, pay down the debt, and then our country will be on a path towards even better days ahead. But, to win, we first have to expose the Republicans and thus far, I'm the only candidate in this race who has done just that" - Jay Rockefeller

"I'm the only person on this stage who hasn't spent a single day working in Washington D.C. In Iowa, I brought Republicans and Democrats together to make historic investments in our highways, and we gave tax relief to our farmers since this President cut tax cuts for farmers by 82%. Where Tom Kean didn't come through, I succeeded. This election is about making up for lost time. It's time to again invest in farmers, in our infrastructure, in education, and in adding more police to our streets. These past years have been an era of prosperity without a purpose. Just last year, Al Gore said he believed that this President had done a good job overall. We have failed to invest in our people under this President, and to have a Democratic nominee say otherwise is wrong for our party. Let me make this clear: Elizabeth Dole is running for Tom Kean's third term, I'm running because I know this President has fallen short of the hype and the hope of the 1996 election. Too many on this stage have stood with the President time and time again at moments they should have been critical of his policies. With all due respect to Mr. Gephardt, he voted with this President more than all but 12 Democrats in congress. I publicly and privately challenged this President on funding for a variety of programs and his medicare reform plan, I believe I'm the best person here to move our party forward" - Tom Vilsack

"There seems to be a lot of finger pointing on this stage, I'm all about governing. In Arkansas, I fought for a higher minimum wage, we cut our state's payroll tax on the working poor by 80%, and I not only balanced the budget, but reduced state debt by a third. As Jerry Brown's Secretary of Education, I led the fight for the largest expansion of pell grants in history of that program so more than 1.7 million kids could go to college. I believe we need to double that program over the next five years. We need to create private-public partnerships for more scholarships and worker re-training programs. We also have work to do in K-12 education. First, we need to raise standards, especially in the areas of math, reading, and science. We should reward successful districts, but force failing districts to hire new management for their schools. It's been done in half a dozen states, and in more cases than not, it's worked. Education is key to the future, and I plan on being the education President. But, we have work to do in other areas as well. We need to connect rural communities with internet access, we need to improve our infrastructure, and it's time we pay down the national debt in full. I'm confident our country will achieve great things in the next decade, and I hope to lead us in that direction for these next eight years" - Bill Clinton

Why does Gephardt look so creepy in that image? It must be the quality.

Not sure haha

October 4, 2003 - Primary turns ugly as negative tv ad buys appear in Iowa, New Hampshire
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DOVER, NH - Three presidential campaigns have purchased negative tv spots on Iowa and New Hampshire airwaves. Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle purchased his third tv buy of the 2004 campaign season. The ad contrasts himself with Vice President Elizabeth Dole. The ad accuses Dole of supporting borrowing to pay for upgrades to the interstate highway system as Secretary of Transportation, then accuses Dole of not taking a position on abortion or gun control during the 2004 primary season. "Elizabeth Dole has refused to take positions on key issues such as abortion and gun control during this campaign season, and when confronted, staffers of hers said they'd get back to the voters. That's not acceptable, nor is it conservative" Quayle told an audience in Iowa at a townhall when asked about the ad. On the Democratic side, the campaigns of Ted Kennedy and Dick Gephardt each bought tv space attacking opponents. Kennedy's tv spot highlighted efforts by both Gephardt and Al Gore in working with the Kean administration. Specifically, Kennedy attacked the pair of joining with Tom Kean in supporting a balanced budget amendment and social security reform. Kennedy's spot told voters that Kean's balanced budget amendment was unconstitutional and gave the Republicans an excuse to "end social security and medicare as we know it." Dick Gephardt bought an ad showing Gore's previous positions on abortion, gun control, and taxes. Gore had been pro-life until changing his position in the 1990s. He also had a good relationship with the NRA through the 1980s before supporting a ban on assault weapons. Gore had opposed the Reagan tax cuts, but voted for the Kean tax cuts.

October 15, 2003 - Bush's divided in '04 primary as Bush Sr. backs Quayle, Jeb endorses Dole, W undecided
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WASHINGTON, DC - Former Vice President George Bush, the 1988 Republican Presidential Nominee, endorsed his 1988 running-mate in the 2004 presidential race, Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle, during a press conference in Washington D.C. "Dan Quayle has the experience to lead our country" Bush said of Quayle. But while the Former Vice President and wife Barbra were on board, the two other elected officials in his family were not sold on Quayle. Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida, supports Elizabeth Dole for President. "The fact is, when I look at the field of candidates, I see three friends of mine. I'm supporting Elizabeth Dole for President because I think she has the ability to unite the country, and she is a proven leader" Bush said of Dole. Meanwhile, Congressman George W. Bush of Texas said he would endorse whomever Governor of Texas Kay Bailey Hutchison supported. This was surprising considering Hutchison beat Bush 51%-48% in the 1994 GOP primary for Governor before Bush's first election to the U.S. House in 1998. "I like all of the candidates, but I'll wait and see who the Governor supports and I'll respect her choice" Bush stated.

October 23, 2003 - In big boost for the Dole campaign, Kean endorses Dole for President
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Tom Kean declared his support for Vice President Elizabeth Dole to be his successor as President of the United States. "Be it passing a constitutional balanced budget amendment, historic health care reform, or preserving medicare and social security, I could always count on Elizabeth Dole for guidance and leadership during her tenure as Vice President. I am confident that she will use the great prosperity of this era to do great things. Elizabeth Dole is simply the best candidate for President in 2004" the President said of Dole.

November 17, 2003 - Al Gore speaks to critics in address
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LANSING, MI - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore gave an address in which he spoke about his presidential agenda, but also tried to answer attacks he faced from his detractors. "My presidency will be about balance. Balancing the budget, investing in social security, medicare, the environment, health care, education, and paying down the debt" Gore stated. "Let me be clear. I believe we Democrats are in the minority because we have become too ideological. I have taken on the Republicans on issues such as overhauling medicaid, privatizing social security, cutting food stamps, and giving tax subsidies for corporations. But, I have also worked with our friends on the other side in continuing to fund environmental cleanup, to balance the federal budget, and for greater accountability in education"

December 1, 2003 – Pataki campaign focuses heavily on NH, independents
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MANCHESTER, NH – Governor of New York George Pataki has spent much of the 2004 pre-primary season running to the left of both Vice President Elizabeth Dole and Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle in his quest for the 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination. Pataki emphasized increasing the number of urban enterprise zones, promoting free trade in Latin America, increasing Internet access in rural communities, and making sure the budget surplus was not all spent as top priorities of his. “I don’t think investing in our poorest communities through tax credits as opposed to social welfare and making sure rural communities have internet access in order to see economic growth via the web are liberal ideas, I think they are common sense” Pataki told a New Hampshire audience. Pataki said he was the only Republican running for President with a new message. “If we want to run as the party of the status-quo, we will narrowly lose because it shows we have no new ideas, I will run on this President’s record, but I propose a real vision for the future” he added. Pataki’s message is one with appeal to independent voters and unlike his opponents in the primary, Pataki is trying to win over independents. Pataki is running heavily in New Hampshire, which neighbors his native New York. The campaign pulled out of Iowa early on and while they have made some tv ad buys in Michigan, New Hampshire is where team Pataki is focused most heavily.

December 14, 2003 – Gore blunt on "60 Minutes"
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DES MOINES, IA –In an often candid interview with 60 Minutes, Senate Minority Leader Al Gore said that he was more confident of victory in 2004 than he had been during his failed 1988 and 2000 presidential bids. “The big mistake I made in 1988 was that I ran without a clear message, I ran against Ronald Reagan and George Bush but not for anything. In 2000, I corrected that mistake, but I didn’t try and win over the grassroots. This year, I have a lot of grassroots support. In fact, we have polling showing that amongst those who voted for Tom Harkin over me in 2000, I am tied with Dick Gephardt in my effort to win their votes. Another thing, I decided to run in 2000 knowing I was in an uphill battle during a general election. This year, I’m confident I have the ability to win based on experience and also, my record of bi-partisanship in Washington” Gore stated. Gore also spoke about his “flip-flops” on issues where his opponents attacked him. “When I ran for Congress, I told people I was personally pro-life and believed that abortion should not be legal, I have since come to the conclusion that regardless of one’s personal beliefs, as a matter of public policy, a woman has a right to not only privacy, but to make decisions about her own body. So, in 1997, I came to the realization that I believe in that right to choose as a matter of policy. It was actually an article written by Former Governor Mario Cuomo which changed my mind, he said that no woman should be at the mercy of a politician, and I felt that I agreed with what he said in May of 1997” Gore added. Gore also addressed criticism he flip-flopped on gun control and taxes. “I have answered this multiple times. I voted for the President’s tax cut because it delievered the largest tax relief in history for those earning below $75,000. Small businesses and medium sized firms saw their taxes reduced. I tried to get the President to scrap the capital gains tax cut, and I proposed a smaller reduction for the very rich. In the end, the Republicans in Congress agreed with both the President and myself actually to eliminate, for the wealthiest Americans, writing off above $7,000 in local property taxes towards federal income taxes, and we closed a number of other deductions the President supported, but some Republicans opposed. I think we got a good deal, but I still want to repeal the tax relief for the very rich. On the issue of gun control, I don’t see how my view has changed either, I have always supported a ban on assault weapons, I simply was not co-sponsoring such legislation until 1991” Gore said.

December 18, 2003 - Pataki courts Independents, moderates ahead of New Hampshire Primary, wins backing of Christie Todd Whitman & Tom Ridge
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DOVER, NH - After winning the support of Former Governors Tom Ridge (R-PA) and Christie Whitman (R-NJ), Republican Presidential Hopeful George Pataki continued to court independent voters and moderate Republicans ahead of New Hampshire's January 14 primary. "In New York, the tax cuts we implemented, the open space we preserved, the schools we increased funding and raised standards for, and the economic development we worked on were things done on a bi-partisian basis. I hope that I can go to Washington and work with Democrats and Republicans alike to close the achievement gap in education, invest in infrastructure and economic development, and pay down the national debt without raising taxes so we can do the people's work in Washington" Pataki has been telling New Hampshire voters.

January 2, 2003 - Al Gore Vs. Dick Gephardt in Iowa
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DES MOINES, IA - Despite being Governor Tom Vilsack's home state, recent polling has shown a virtual tie between Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Al Gore and Dick Gephardt in Iowa. Both candidates, especially Gephardt, have invested heavily in Iowa, more so than other early states. Expected to win South Carolina without much of a challenge, Al Gore has shifted his resources to Iowa, where he has been agressive in pushing back against attacks from the Gephardt campaign. "My friend Dick Gephardt's attack ads show that he is desperate, but come January 7, we are going to send a message that Democrats need to stop fighting each other and focus on winning elections again" Gore told one Iowa crowd. For his part, Gephardt, trailing Gore in national polls and in fundraising, attacked Gore on a host of issues. "Al Gore has supported the Kean tax cuts for the wealthy, NAFTA which has benefited the largest American corporations, cuts to public housing and he even supported the House Republican plan on social security, which has resulted in benefit cuts for over 7 million middle income Americans. It seems as if Al Gore is running in the wrong party for President" Gephardt has stated.

January 7, 2004 - Iowa Caucus: Dole, Gephardt claim victory, Vilsack exits presidential race
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GOP
Elizabeth Dole 49%
Dan Quayle 30%
George Pataki 19%

DEM
Dick Gephardt 28%
Al Gore 28%
Tom Vilsack 19%
Ted Kennedy 12%
Bill Clinton 10%
Jay Rockefeller 2%

January 10, 2004 - N.H. Union Leader: Pataki, Gore for 2004
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"In the race to succeed Tom Kean, the Republicans have three clear choice. Dan Quayle has the necessary experience that he lacked as George Bush's running-mate in 1988. He is now a more seasoned politician than he was then. However, he has also become more ideological and polarizing since 1988. Elizabeth Dole can run on the popularity of the current administration. Of all the candidates, she has the most impressive resume. But, Ms. Dole hasn't given voters a reason to support her, other than she is Tom Kean's Vice President. Then, there is George Pataki. A Governor for the last decade, Pataki has a reputation as a bi-partisian leader in New York. He has presided over historic investments in economic development and educational excellence in that state. Mr. Pataki is running the least ideological campaign of the three GOP candidates. He has our endorsement because he is running as someone who can bring the nation together" - New Hampshire Union Leader endorsement of George Pataki for the Republican Presidential Nomination

"In the political wilderness for last eight years, we believe Democrats need to transform their party to one which can again govern. In our opinion, both Senators Kennedy and Rockefeller represent the Democratic Party which lost in a landslide in 2000. They have recycled ideas from an era which has come and gone. Bill Clinton, on the other hand, wants to change the Democratic Party from a progressive party, to one which is center-right. We do not believe this is helpful in a two-party system. The two major contenders for the Democratic Presidential Nomination are Dick Gephardt and Al Gore. Mr. Gephardt won our endorsement in the 1988 presidential race. At that time, we cited his willingness to be independent when necessary. Today, to our disappointment, Mr. Gephardt has become increasingly partisan and unwilling to work with President Tom Kean. By contrast, Mr. Gore has become a pragmatist focused on results. In 1988, we stated that Al Gore was overly partisan and unseasoned. In 2000, we gave Senator Gore our endorsement. We do so again this year for the same reasons we did in 2004. Mr. Gore is simply the candidate who wants to govern as opposed to playing politics. He has been an effective leader on important issues ranging from education to the environment and campaign finance reform. He has our endorsement again in 2004" - New Hampshire Union Leader endorsement of Al Gore for the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination

January 14, 2004 - New Hampshire Primary: Pataki upsets Dole, Gore beats Gephardt
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GOP
George Pataki 37%
Elizabeth Dole 35%
Dan Quayle 27%

DEM
Al Gore 33%
Dick Gephardt 26%
Ted Kennedy 20%
Bill Clinton 10%
Jay Rockefeller 9%

January 17, 2004 - Rockefeller withdrawals
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WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) exited the presidential race

January 21, 2004 - Dole, Gore win South Carolina
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GOP
Elizabeth Dole 47%
Dan Quayle 30%
George Pataki 22%

DEM
Al Gore 41%
Dick Gephardt 30%
Ted Kennedy 20%
Bill Clinton 8%

January 23, 2004 - Dole reclaims front-runner status
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LANSING, MI - After placing second in New Hampshire's primary, some in GOP circles doubted Elizabeth Dole's position as the true GOP front-runner in the race for President. But a decisive win in South Carolina changed that, and Dole capitalized on that change. "The voters of this country want a candidate, and a President, who is committed to using the surplus to preserve medicare and social security, cut taxes, fund the military, and pay down our national debt" Dole told Michigan Republicans. Dole reclaimed her status as the GOP front-runner. "When we face the Democrats this fall, we will offer a stark contrast. The Democrats are proposing government-run health care, a tax increase on business, and Al Gore's plan only pays down the debt by $100 billion over a decade, our plan brings it down by $1 trillion in the same time period. Al Gore doesn't propose one penny of tax relief, I propose $250 billion in tax cuts over the next three years" Dole added.

January 25, 2004 - NAFTA politics takes shape in Michigan again
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DETROIT, MI - Ahead of Michigan's presidential primary, House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt again voiced his opposition to NAFTA and promised to repeal the free trade agreement if elected President. "Michigan has lost manufacturing jobs, our entire country has lost manufacturing jobs, as a direct result of NAFTA, which Al Gore supported and I opposed" Gephardt told supporters. Gephardt promised a "revitalization" of manufacturing and increased protectionism if elected President. Senator Ted Kennedy agreed with Gephardt, arguing for "free and fair" trade. Bill Clinton remained silent on NAFTA. Senate Minority Whip Al Gore, an early proponent of NAFTA, defended the agreement as "creating high waged jobs." On the Republican side of the aisle, all three candidates voiced support for NAFTA, though both Mr. Pataki and Mr. Quayle said they would do more to enforce parts of NAFTA not being enforced.

January 27, 2004 - Michigan Primary: Dole, Gore claim victory
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GOP
Elizabeth Dole 49%
Dan Quayle 25%
George Pataki 25%

DEM
Al Gore 37%
Richard Gephardt 36%
Ted Kennedy 20%
Bill Clinton 6%

February 1, 2004 - Bill Clinton ends presidential bid, endorses Al Gore
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LITTLE ROCK, AR - Bill Clinton ended his 2004 presidential bid and endorsed Al Gore for President, calling Al Gore "a new kind of Democrat people can rally behind."

February 2, 2004 - GOP candidates debate ahead of Super Tuesday
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"Here is the truth about my campaign. My campaign is about ensuring that the prosperity we enjoy today is sustained. 16 million Americans have found work in the last eight years, a record. Taxes on the ordinary American have been cut by a quarter, welfare rolls are down, crime is down, educational test scores are up, and we have a budget surplus. What's next? My answer is, we should reduce taxes on workers and small and medium sized businesses, pay down the national debt, pay into medicare and social security, and fund our military. I take these priorities and invest in them while paying down debt and without raising taxes" - Elizabeth Dole

"The Vice President believes that the status-quo in Washington D.C. is acceptable. I believe we should throw out our current tax code and replace it with a 15% flat tax, protect innocent human life, and abolish the Department of Education. It's time for less government and more individual freedom in the United States of America. There is no question that we live in an era of great prosperity. But, to use this moment to accept the status-quo does not serve a greater purpose. In Indiana, I have reduced taxes and protected human life. I have used this moment for the last three years to bring about conservative policies in my home state, following my career in Washington where I was outspoken on the pro-life position, appointing conservative judges, and protecting family values as well as free trade and good paying jobs" - Dan Quayle

"The three of us on this stage must ensure we can continue the coalition of President Reagan in 1980 and 1984, as well as President Kean in the last two election cycles. I built a similar coalition during my three runs for Governor of New York, one of the most liberal states in America. In fact, I performed better in 1998 and 2002 in New York than both President Reagan and President Kean did in their presidential bids. I cut taxes, protected open space, fought for higher standards in education, and fought for good economic development practices in rural and inner-city communities. I want to bring my results-oriented record in New York to Washington to save our schools and create jobs in those communities which have been left behind in this great era of wealth and prosperity" - George Pataki

"I want to make this point clear because no matter how I've answered this question in seven debates, Governor Quayle continues to deny that I'm being straight with the American people. I am a social conservative. I am pro-life and believe that human life should be protected. I believe that state's should decide the issue of same-sex marriage, but personally I believe in marriage between one man and one woman. As President, I will appoint judges who interpret the constitution of the United States, and these judges will likely be pro-life and for the rights of states" - Elizabeth Dole

"Once again, the Vice President has declined to say that she will appoint pro-life judges, that's a commitment I made to the American people during my campaign in 1996, I feel just as strongly about this now as I did then. I believe in the sanctity of human life, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe in conservative judges. I'm the family values candidate in this race. I joined with Rick Santorum in fighting for the ban on partial-birth abortion, and I was the one who encouraged Tom Kean to appoint one of the best pro-life judges in America to the federal bench in 1997" - Dan Quayle

"I personally am opposed to abortion, I think that human life is precious. But, to me, this is a question of a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body. I don't believe the government should tell a woman what she can or can't do with her own body. Therefore, as President, I will support judges who are strict constructionists, but being pro-life is not a litmus test in my mind. I actually do support over turning Roe V. Wade though because this is an issue which should be decided at the state level, not at the Supreme Court" - George Pataki

"I respect Governor Pataki and consider him a friend. The same with Governor Quayle. I simply believe that I have the record, the experience, and the vision to lead our country. I have spent time in the private sector, in the practice of law, as a department head under President Reagan, as the head of a non-profit, and as Vice President of the United States during a time when we have seen the creation of 16 million jobs, rising incomes, declining welfare rolls, and budget surpluses. I think my vision for the future of making sure we keep taxes low, keep our country safe, ensure that we meet our obligations to our seniors, and passing down a debt free nation is the best course for us to take as a country moving forward" - Elizabeth Dole

"There is no question but that the Vice President is a successful and intelligent individual. Governor Pataki has defied the odds to get to where he is today. But, the question for Republicans has to be, which one of us is the conservative in the race for President? I have a consistent conservative record during my career in Washington and in Indiana. I have an A rating from the NRA, I have a 100% pro-life voting record, and I never got less than a 92% rating from the national taxpayers union while in congress. My friend George Pataki supports abortion, gun control, and affirmative action, I take a different view. The Vice President refuses to commit to nominating pro-life justices and supports the federal government being involved in education. I'm the true conservative in this race for President" - Dan Quayle

"Dan Quayle and Elizabeth Dole are principled individuals who have accomplished a lot. But, I have the very best chance of winning this election. We Republicans must reach out to independents and Democrats. We should always be a party that believes in lower taxes and a strong national defense, but we must also be the party of the environment and of helping those communities which have been left behind during the economic growth of the last eight years. I propose we invest in infrastructure and encourage economic development through pro-growth tax policies to help encourage job growth in rural and inner-city communities. I also think we need to raise standards in education and increase funding for special needs students. We have to do this gradually and while paying down the debt, which will require fiscal discipline and tough choices" - George Pataki

February 7, 2004 - Super Tuesday Votes
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GOP
Ohio - Dole 57% Quayle 23% Pataki 19%
Kentucky - Dole 61% Quayle 30% Pataki 8%
New Jersey - Dole 47% Pataki 30% Quayle 22%
Vermont - Pataki 40% Dole 39% Quayle 20%
Missouri - Dole 42% Quayle 30% Pataki 27%
Tennessee - Dole 55% Quayle 30% Pataki 14%
Arkansas - Dole 60% Quayle 30% Pataki 9%
Georgia - Dole 45% Quayle 30% Pataki 24%
Washington - Dole 60% Pataki 30% Quayle 9%
Utah - Dole 67% Quayle 22% Pataki 10%
Colorado - Dole 44% Quayle 30% Pataki 25%
Minnesota - Dole 40% Pataki 37% Quayle 22%

DEM
Ohio - Gephardt 40% Gore 39% Kennedy 20%
Kentucky - Gore 62% Gephardt 30% Kennedy 7%
New Jersey - Gore 50% Gephardt 37% Kennedy 12%
Vermont - Gore 40% Kennedy 39% Gephardt 19%
Missouri - Gephardt 67% Gore 23% Kennedy 9%
Tennessee - Gore 71% Gephardt 20% Kennedy 8%
Arkansas - Gore 62% Gephardt 30% Kennedy 6%
Georgia - Gore 50% Gephardt 40% Kennedy 9%
Washington - Gore 42% Gephardt 35% Kennedy 22%
Utah - Gore 44% Gephardt 40% Kennedy 15%
Colorado - Gore 40% Gephardt 38% Kennedy 21%
Minnesota - Gephardt 42% Gore 30% Kennedy 17%

Dan Quayle exits presidential race, endorses Elizabeth Dole for President
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ATLANTA, GA - Governor of Indiana Dan Quayle ended his 2004 presidential campaign after failing to win a single contest on Super Tuesday. Quayle endorsed Elizabeth Dole for President, calling Dole "the best candidate to win in the fall and govern the nation."

February 12, 2004 - Ted Kennedy exits presidential race
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BOSTON, MA - Senator Ted Kennedy announced the end of his 2004 presidential campaign.

February 14, 2004 - Wisconsin, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oregon vote
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GOP
Wisconsin - Dole 62% Pataki 35%
Kansas - Dole 82% Pataki 15%
Nebraska - Dole 65% Pataki 30%
Oregon - Dole 55% Pataki 44%

DEM
Wisconsin - Gore 50% Gephardt 49%
Kansas - Gephardt 55% Gore 44%
Nebraska - Gore 51% Gephardt 48%
Oregon - Gore 57% Gephardt 42%

February 15, 2004 - George Pataki ends presidential bid, endorses Elizabeth Dole
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York George Pataki ended his 2004 presidential bid and endorsed Elizabeth Dole as the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President. "Elizabeth Dole has earned this nomination through her hard work and determination. She is an experienced leader with a vision for the future, and she has my vote" Pataki stated.

Elizabeth Dole secures 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination
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"For the last eight years, we have presided over a period of unprecedented prosperity and renewed security. I'm proud to have been part of an administration which has promoted the hopes and aspirations of all Americans. Today, this country is better off than it was eight years ago. The question now becomes, will we be better off in eight years from now, and I believe we will be if we commit to using this period of prosperity to achieve greatness. We will use the surplus to cut your taxes, pay down the national debt, pay into medicare and social security, and keep the American military the best equipped and strongest in the world. We will safeguard the prosperity we presently enjoy not by believing in bigger government as our friends in the Democratic Party do, but by believing in the spirit of free markets, free people, and government which is accountable, effective, and above all else, limited" - Vice President Elizabeth Dole, victory speech after securing the 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination

Has Kennedy endorsed anyone after he quit?

Not yet, no.

February 17, 2004 - Ahead of "Mini Tuesday" Gore, Gephardt debate
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"In contests across the United States of America, voters have considered my experience and my record of accomplishment, which is why I have been winning and why I believe I will be our party's nominee for President. I have more foreign policy experience than the other two candidates combined, having served in Vietnam, having been the ranking member of the armed services committee for five years, and having spent the last decade on the foreign relations committee. I have also fought for environmental cleanup, expanding medicaid so we could cover 7 million Americans with health insurance, and I fought for the balanced budget amendment to the constitution. I believe that I am best prepared to lead our country" - Al Gore

"Both Senator Gore and I have been in leadership positions in our party. The difference is, I've stood up for our Democratic values where as my friend has wavered. Senator Gore voted for NAFTA, for the Kean tax cuts for Wall Street, for raising the social security retirement age, for legislation which makes it harder for folks to claim damages in courtrooms across the nation, and for the 1997 budget which cut funding for housing vouchers for the homeless, drug prevention programs for our schools, funding for the arts, and funding for national parks. I have held the line, I fought NAFTA as long as I could and fought to raise the federal minimum wage and create provisions in federal law to enforce unfair trade agreements, that's the difference between us" - Dick Gephardt

"Let me address Dick Gephardt's constant criticism of me. He's been attacking me on these sorts of issues since October and the voters have rejected his message. I opposed the President in areas where the interests of ordinary people were at stake, specifically I have opposed 98% of his judicial appointments and his health care law which didn't expand coverage for anyone. But, I also worked with him to get things done. The tax relief I supported was the largest middle and lower income tax relief in history. The 1997 budget I supported avoided a $250 billion budget gap, Congressman Gephardt opposed closing that gap. I worked with Tom Kean in fighting to fund environmental cleanup and yes, I worked with him for a balanced budget amendment because the American people deserve a government that lives within it's means. I worked with the administration to add 40 years to the life of social security. We must always stand up for our values, but we must also work with those on the other side of the aisle in order to govern, and I've done that" - Al Gore

"We are forgetting that hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs to overseas competition because of unfair trade agreements which have shipped jobs overseas. Many have taken jobs with less pay in an effort to make ends meet. We are not enforcing NAFTA and several other trade agreements. We aren't enforcing trade with China, they are manipulating our currency and giving us a raw deal on trade. I'm committed to enforcing unfair trade deals and reversing those deals, such as NAFTA, which were poorly negotiated in the first place. For roughly a decade, I prevented NAFTA from becoming a treaty we entered into. One of the reasons I'm running for President is to reverse NAFTA and bring good jobs back to America" - Dick Gephardt

"The reason Democrats lost the 2000 election was because we ran the same old campaign. Our party has to be a party that believes in investing in education, health care, and the environment. But, we must also be the party that believes in fiscal responsibility. I have said that I'll use the surplus to provide health care to every child in America and invest in education to ensure that we have smaller class sizes and more funding for special needs students. I'll also pay into social security and medicare while paying down the national debt. Elizabeth Dole doesn't dedicate one penny to health care, education, or the environment and I believe that is a mistake" - Al Gore

"The Democratic Party lost the 2000 election because we failed to rally the base of our party. 25% of Democrats supported President Kean's re-election. We failed to give Democrats a reason to support us. I'm giving our base a reason to support me in 2004. We need to have fair trade, we need to raise the minimum wage, and we need to expand access to health insurance to ensure everyone is covered. I also offer Americans a clear contrast between myself and the Republicans. The Republicans support tax breaks for Wall Street, free trade beneficial to large corporations, and a legal system which allows the very rich to not be held accountable. While Senator Gore has supported their policies, I've opposed them every step of the way" - Dick Gephardt

February 21, 2004 - Mini Tuesday: Gore wins 4 of 6 contests
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Alaska - Gore 61% Gephardt 37%
North Dakota - Gephardt 50% Gore 49%
Illinois - Gore 51% Gephardt 48%
Florida - Gore 53% Gephardt 46%
Delaware - Gore 67% Gephardt 32%
West Virginia - Gephardt 55% Gore 44%


February 28, 2004 - Gore wins Texas, Idaho Primaries
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Texas - Gore 59% Gephardt 40%
Idaho - Gore 66% Gephardt 33%

March 1, 2004 - Dick Gephardt exits presidential race
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WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic House Leader Dick Gephardt exited the 2004 presidential race and formally endorsed Al Gore for President. "Al Gore has the courage of his convictions" Gephardt said of Gore.

Al Gore secures 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"Our message is resonating with the American people. The people of this country want a President with the experience to lead, and they want all of our citizens to enjoy the great prosperity of this moment. Nobody doubts that the last eight years have provided us with unprecedented economic prosperity and a renewed sense of security. The challenge for us now becomes, what next? I believe we must continue to pay down the national debt and keep taxes on working families low. But, we also need to use our resources to invest in health care, education, the environment, and meet our commitments to our seniors and veterans. My campaign is about moving our country forward, that's what Democrats and independents voted for, and that's what I plan on offering the American people this fall" - Senate Minority Whip Al Gore accepting victory as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President

March 23, 2004 - Poll: Gore leads Dole
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Al Gore 48%
Elizabeth Dole 45%


April 19, 2004 – Kean speaks out on Iraq during prime time address in response to WMD report
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WASHINGTON, DC – President Tom Kean declared that Saddam Hussein was “not complying with international law” after “six years of dodging weapons inspectors.” A new report out showed that Saddam had the capacity to build WMD at any time. Kean asked congress for the authority to use force if necessary. However, Kean stated that, “It is premature and unwise to state whether or not we will commit troops to Iraq.”

May 15, 2004 – Dole gives speech, contrasts herself with Gore
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“This election offers Americans a clear choice and a stark contrast of ideas and priorities. I’ll use the surplus for four things. First, I will reduce taxes on workers and small and medium sized businesses. Those making below $90,000 will see their payroll taxes reduced in half. Then, I’ll tax the 10% tax on small and medium sized businesses and bring it down to 8% by the year 2008. I’ll make larger payments into social security and medicare than at anytime since 1970. I’ll then use the rest of the surplus to pay down the national debt, we’ll reduce the debt by $1 trillion by the year 2015. Compare this with Al Gore’s vision. He proposes payments into social security and medicare a third of what we paid in last year. His plan reduces the debt by just $300 billion over a decade. He uses the remaining money for a government-run health care scheme, and education funding despite the fact we have already increased education funding from $42 billion in 1997 to $57 billion this year. Al Gore offers no new tax relief and more government spending, that’s not the right priorities for America” – Republican Presidential Hopeful Elizabeth Dole

June 25, 2004 – Brown backs Gore in presidential bid
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SACRAMENTO, CA – Former President Jerry Brown officially endorsed Al Gore’s 2004 presidential bid. “Al Gore has been a champion of public education, of veteran’s health care, and of a foreign policy consistent with our values throughout his entire career” Brown said of Gore.

July 15, 2004 – Dole picks Hutchison for Vice President
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AUSTIN, TX – Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Elizabeth Dole made history in selecting Former Governor of Texas Kay Bailey Hutchison as her running-mate in the 2004 presidential election. “Kay Bailey Hutchison is an experienced leader who will be a part of my team to sustain the growth and opportunity we enjoy at this moment in history” Dole said of Hutchison. Hutchison served as a Texas State Treasurer before her election as Governor of Texas in 1994, where she was re-elected  in 1998 before leaving office in January of 2003.

July 27, 2004 – Gore picks Lincoln as running-mate
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RICHMOND, VA – Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Al Gore selected Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas as his running-mate in the 2004 presidential election. “Blanche Lincoln will bring common sense and vision to the white house. She represents the best of America, and I trust her to be an effective Vice President. Lincoln served 1993-1999 as a Congresswoman and is serving her first term in the U.S. Senate.

August 14, 2004 – Senator Blanche Lincoln accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination
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“Al Gore and I believe that we are living the dreams our founders envisioned for us more than two centuries ago. Americans have helped promote freedom and opportunity both here at home and abroad. The case we are making to the American people is not that the last eight years have been an era of failure, for that would be false. We are making the case that the next eight years can be even better and brighter than the previous eight. We believe that every child in America deserves good health insurance and a world class education. We believe that we must address the issue of global warming before it’s too late. We believe that economic development in communities not seeing the prosperity most of us see is necessary to compete in the future. We see an America which strives to do better. Our opponents have a different view. They are satisfied with the status-quo, they are fine with the way things are. They don’t want to challenge Americans to aim higher, but rather, they offer us recycled ideas from an era gone by. Our opponents believe that the work of our government is done, and that by cutting taxes and doing little else, we will all be better off. We can not accept the status-quo, we have to aim for the stars” – Sen. Blanche Lincoln

August 15, 2004 – Senate Minority Leader Al Gore accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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“I stand before you here today as someone who is prepared to lead our country for the next eight years. I have spent the last 26 years in public service, dealing with every major public policy issue. I not only dealt with these issues, I’ve led on tough issues. During the course of my career, I learned how to build consensus and get things done. I fought for a minimum wage increase, expanding Medicaid so more Americans have access to health care, I fought for higher educational standards, I led the fight for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, and I fought to fund environmental cleanup at the federal level. This election is about priorities. I have made the tough choices and fought on behalf of all Americans. My priorities will be preserving medicare and social security, paying down the debt, and investing in education, health care, and the environment. My plan makes these investments without budgetary gimmicks. My opponent has different priorities. She uses a third of the surplus for a tax cut without dedicating one new penny to health care, environmental protection, or the education of our children. I believe these times demand leadership that does what’s right, I know these times demand an experienced leader, and I know that together, we will move America forward” – Sen. Al Gore

August 24, 2004 – Former Gov. Kay Bailey Hutchison accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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“All of us running for President and Vice President must run on our records. Vice President Dole led the fight for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, the Kean tax cuts, the implementation of NAFTA, and for medicare reform which has helped reduce medicare premiums for the first time in the history of that program. In Texas, I reformed welfare, signed the largest capital gains tax reduction in state history, and I created the nation’s second largest school voucher program in my state. Elizabeth Dole and I will go to Washington determined to safeguard the enormous prosperity of the last eight years. We will make sure that taxes are kept low and reduced, that the budget is balanced and debt is paid down, we will strengthen our nation’s military, and we will invest in social security and medicare to meet our obligations to our seniors. Elizabeth Dole and I will continue President Kean’s economic policies which have led to the creation of 16 million new jobs and budget surpluses unmatched by any in history. Our opponents have a different agenda. They believe that the measure of success is measured by federal expenditures. They voted against health care reform, against regulatory reform, against off-shore drilling in Alaska, against Medicaid reform, and against school vouchers. Their vision for the future is one based on big government, ours is based on unleashing the power of the American people” – Fmr. Gov. Kay Bailey Hutchison 

August 25, 2004 – Vice President Elizabeth Dole accepts Republican Presidential Nomination
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“Eight years ago, President Kean and I led a national movement to reform government and the policies which led to stagnation and decline in the years before we took office. Over these last eight years, we presided over the largest tax relief in American history, the first balanced budget in a generation, health care reform which has held costs down while insuring more Americans, comprehensive entitlement reform, and a rebuilding of the American military. The results of these policies have been made clear. 16 million new jobs, welfare rolls cut by more than half, surpluses for the last four years, rising family income, medicare premium reductions, and the lowest inflation in American history. These results are due to the hard work and determination of the American people. They are also the result of great stewardship from a historic President, Tom Kean. Over the next four years, I plan on being a good steward of the prosperity we have created together. I will use this historic moment in history to broaden prosperity for all Americans. We’ll cut taxes on the middle class and working Americans. We’ll provide tax relief for small and medium sized businesses. We will reduce the national debt by $1 trillion. We’ll invest in medicare and social security. We will continue to make sure America’s military and human intelligence communities are rebuilt to where they were under President Reagan. We Republicans, we Americans, believe that the best way to govern is by making sure that the federal government recognizes it’s role is to do a few things, to be effective in doing those things, and to leave most things up to the American people” – Vice President Elizabeth Dole

October 4, 2004 – Dole, Gore participate in first Presidential Debate
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“In fiscal year 2006, we will have the largest projected surplus in history, $500 billion. I intend to evenly divide that surplus to go to tax relief, debt reduction, and making the largest payments into social security and medicare in our country’s history, $200 billion not towards current benefits, but towards future benefits. It’s sort of like a social security and medicare rainy-day fund. I want to make sure we reduce our debt and taxes while meeting our obligations to our seniors. My opponent believes that we should spend $450 billion of that surplus on new spending, I think that’s a mistake and it shows a difference in priorities” – Elizabeth Dole

“Vice President Dole knows full well that I want to help the 12 million Americans who aren’t eligible for Medicaid, but can’t afford their own health insurance, get that insurance. I want to help the 2.7 million children who do not have one health care provider or any health care at all under SCHIP. My plan calls for investing in smaller class sizes in education. I have called for investing in our infrastructure, the current administration hasn’t spent one new penny on that. We can do all of these, reduce the national debt, and pay into social security and medicare with the surplus. I believe in fiscal discipline, I broke with my party and supported a balanced budget amendment. But, I also believe in investing in those things which will help us grow long term” –Al Gore

“I think the best way to keep our economy growing is to keep taxes low and ensure that we don’t over regulate and over sue. The President and I fought for the tax relief we have today, as well as tort reform and regulatory reform, so we can see jobs created and we’ve added 16 million of them since we took office. I plan on giving workers and most businesses a tax cut to sustain the growth we have seen. I also believe that we need to encourage and expand free trade, especially with Latin America, so that we can see growth in the area of exports and those countries can become wealthier, which would solve part of the illegal immigration problem” – Elizabeth Dole

“I supported President Kean when he reduced taxes and I supported him when he enacted litigation reform. The Vice President and I both support many of the economic policies of the last eight years, but I don’t support all of them. I think the regulatory reform package the Vice President touts has helped Wall Street and has opened the door for even more money being shipped off-shore. I will reverse tax breaks for companies which ship our jobs overseas, that will help grow the economy. Additionally, I believe that we need to look at investing in green technology, which is why I support green energy tax credits which has the ability to create new jobs in a whole new sector” – Al Gore

“The central focus of my presidency will be to have good stewardship of our economy. I think that requires fiscal discipline and to resist the urge to spend on programs which we believe we can afford during a time of enormous growth and prosperity. I don’t believe the federal government should regulate and spend more as my opponent has admitted he supports here tonight. My record is such that I have always been fiscally disciplined in every area I’ve worked in, and I’ll continue that as President” – Elizabeth Dole

“I plan on being the President who helps those left behind, who saves our public schools, and who tries to reverse the tide of global warming. There are millions of Americans today who have found work and have seen their incomes rise, there is no doubt about it. There are also millions of Americans who have lost their health insurance and who are stuck in communities where jobs are leaving. Most of the wealth in the United States over the last eight years has been concentrated in suburban communities and cities with populations exceeding 250,000. Small towns and medium-sized cities have not seen the prosperity, the growth in educational test scores, and a reduction in health care costs that many others have seen” – Al Gore

“I believe that abortion should be available to women only in cases where rape, incest, or the life of the mother is involved. My position has been consistent, I am pro-life, but at the end of the day, this is an issue which has to be decided at the state level” – Elizabeth Dole

“I support a woman’s right to choose, though I have personally been pro-life. To me, this is about individual rights. My opponent and her party believe that the government should tell a woman what to do with her own body. I don’t agree that the government should have that extreme power” – Al Gore



October 9, 2004 – Hutchison, Lincoln participate in Vice Presidential Debate
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“Vice President Dole and I are running on this President’s record, there is no doubt about that. The Vice President was a key partner to Tom Kean by his own admission. Our economy has never been stronger, our people have never been safer, and our country has never been more hopeful about the future" - Kay Bailey Hutchison

"Al Gore and I have both worked with President Kean. Four years ago, I actively campaigned and voted for the President. But, we know this election is about the future, not the last eight years. Vice President Dole is running on the Kean record, but she isn't running on her own record. The truth is, when she was Secretary of Transportation, she did nothing to address our crumbling infrastructure. In fact, she supported cuts to her own department. Al Gore and I believe that leadership is about advocating for those one is asked to lead. We believe that investing in education, health care, and the environment are crucial. We believe in investing in social security, medicare, and medicaid while still paying down the debt" - Blanche Lincoln

"Each of us has our own record to run on. In Texas, I fought for and signed into law sweeping ethics reform which forced legislators to disclose any political connection they have had with those doing business with the state. I fought for and won the passage of a parents bill of rights, requiring school districts to give parents the available options as to where they can send their children to school. I fought for an won passage of the largest tax relief in state history: a 20% cut in property taxes for 80% of our homeowners. I'm proud of that record. Senator Lincoln has no record of leadership to run on because she has voted with the leadership of her party 85% of the time and has no executive experience to speak of" - Kay Bailey Hutchison

"In the United States Senate, only three senators have had a more centrist voting record than me over the last three years. But this election is about the choices we make. The Vice President and Governor Hutchison want to dedicate a large chunk of the surplus to tax breaks without investing a new penny in education, health care, and the environment. We've had some of the largest tax relief in history just seven years ago, our economy is strong, now it's time to invest in our people. I've been pleased with this administration's budgets, Tom Kean has said we've cut taxes enough, I agree. I'm for cutting the payroll tax for the working poor, but we need to first invest in our workforce again" - Blanche Lincoln

October 17, 2004 – Dole, Gore participate in second Presidential Debate
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"President Kean committed to building up our military to 1989 levels while investing in human intelligence. We are just three years away from reaching the first goal, and we have doubled funding towards human intelligence. We have given law enforcement the tools necessary to track the financing and financial activities of those who wish us harm. I have been with the President when he's made tough decisions about our security, and I will continue to pursue the policies of this administration in that regard" - Elizabeth Dole

"This administration's policies as it pertains to law enforcement have violated our civil liberties. I voted against the Dukakis administration's cuts in our intelligence budgets, and sponsored a bill to restore those cuts in 1997, but the Republicans supported spending double what I proposed without a way to pay for it and without declaring where exactly the money would go. I supported President Brown's agenda as it relates to the military: we should have an active army that is roughly halfway in size between Ronald Reagan and Michael Dukakis, but giving money to the pentagon that they didn't request, in my opinion, is unnecessary" - Al Gore

Election 2004: Dole elected President, GOP keeps congress
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Elizabeth Dole / Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) 53% 300 EV
Al Gore / Blanche Lincoln (D) 46% 238 EV
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Exit Polling - Election 2004
By political party
Republican - Elizabeth Dole 95% Al Gore 3%
Democratic - Al Gore 89% Elizabeth Dole 7%
Independent - Elizabeth Dole 50% Al Gore 48%

By ideology
Conservative - Elizabeth Dole 92% Al Gore 3%
Moderate - Elizabeth Dole 52% Al Gore 47%
Liberal - Al Gore 90% Elizabeth Dole 5%

By income
Less than $30,000 - Al Gore 60% Elizabeth Dole 38%
$30,000-$60,000 - Al Gore 57% Elizabeth Dole 42%
$60,000-$120,000 - Elizabeth Dole 53% Al Gore 46%
$120,000-$250,000 - Elizabeth Dole 61% Al Gore 38%
Above $250,000 - Elizabeth Dole 64% Al Gore 35%

By ethnicity
White - Elizabeth Dole 62% Al Gore 37%
Black - Al Gore 89% Elizabeth Dole 9%
Hispanic - Al Gore 59% Elizabeth 40%
Asian - Al Gore 55% Elizabeth Dole 44%
Other - Al Gore 63% Elizabeth Dole 36%

By gender
Male - Elizabeth Dole 51% Al Gore 48%
Female - Al Gore 53% Elizabeth Dole 46%

Five Closest States
Pennsylvania - Elizabeth Dole 49.7% Al Gore 49.4%
Arkansas - Elizabeth Dole 49.9 % Al Gore 49.4%
Tennessee - Al Gore 49.9% Elizabeth Dole 49.3%
New Hampshire - Elizabeth Dole 50% Al Gore 49%
New Jersey - Al Gore 52% Elizabeth Dole 47%

Five strongest Elizabeth Dole wins
Texas - Elizabeth Dole 65% Al Gore 34%
Idaho - Elizabeth Dole 63% Al Gore 36%
Wyoming - Elizabeth Dole 61% Al Gore 38%
South Carolina - Elizabeth Dole 60% Al Gore 39%
North Carolina - Elizabeth Dole 59% Al Gore 40%

Five strongest Al Gore wins
Rhode Island - Al Gore 72% Elizabeth Dole 26%
Hawaii - Al Gore 68% Elizabeth Dole 31%
Massachusetts - Al Gore 62% Elizabeth Dole 37%
California - Al Gore 57% Elizabeth Dole 42%
Oregon - Al Gore 55% Elizabeth Dole 44%

Most important issue
Economy 23%
Taxes 20%
Foreign Policy 19%
Education 12%
Health Care 18%
National Debt 6%
Trade 1%
Other 1%

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Key events of the Dole Administration, January 20, 2005 - January 1, 2007
-January 28, 2005 - President Dole signs into law the Tax Relief Act of 2005, cutting payroll taxes in half for all employees and employers in firms with less than 150 people
- March 22, 2005 - President Dole signs into law the Reclaim our Streets Act, giving aid to the most dangerous cities in America for the use of cameras
- June 17, 2005 - President Dole signs into law House Speaker JC Watt's Cap Federal Spending Act, requiring that federal spending can't surpass the rate of inflation with an exception for national security purposes
- October 1, 2005 - President Dole warns Congress that Saddam Hussein is continued to defy what she refereed to as "crippling sanctions"
- October 24, 2005 - House Speaker JC Watts (R-OK), Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX), Congressman Peter King (R-NY), Senator Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), and Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) sponsor legislation authorizing President Dole to use force against Saddam Hussein. The House of Representatives votes 335-100 for the resolution, with 98 Democrats and 2 Republicans opposing it. In the U.S. Senate, the resolution passes 82-18, with 17 Democrats and Republican Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island opposing the resolution.
- December 1, 2005 - President Dole announces an invasion of Iraq
- January 18, 2006 - The U.S. secures Baghdad, as they have captured key members of Saddam Hussein's cabinet
- March 14, 2006 - The U.S. economy grew, but in February, saw it's worst one month jobs report since May of 1996
- May 27, 2006 - Saddam Hussein is captured
- June 17, 2006 - President Dole signs into law a bi-partsian bill allowing consumers of "green technology" to deduct up to $5,000 for the cost of that technology on their federal income tax returns.
- August 28, 2006 - President Dole signs into law a bill written by House Speaker JC Watts allowing for the elimination of import tariffs implemented under President Michael Dukakis
- October 1, 2006 - The U.S. economy saw the creation of under 400,000 jobs, the worst one month jobs report since March 1996.
- November 2, 2006 - Voters keep Republicans in control of the House and Senate, but polling shows while 65% approve of President Dole's foreign policy, just 47% approve of her handling of the economy. She has a 52% approval rating, and Republicans have their worst election cycle since 1988.
- December 17, 2006 - President Dole signs into law the Transportation and Infrastructure Support Act, designating 15% of total federal tax revenues from overseas tariffs to be used towards roadway and bridge repairs across the United States

January 15, 2007 - Corzine running for President
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HOBOKEN, NJ - Former Senator Jon Corzine announced he would run for President of the United States in the 2008 presidential election. "The war in Iraq is costing us billions of dollars, and the reasons we are over there are unclear. This President rushed us to war without a plan to secure a free Iraq, we have wasted money and put our brave men and women in uniform at risk so this President can score political points. As President, my top priority will be to end this war" Corzine stated. Corzine spent his career in the private sector, including a stint at Goldman Sachs, before being elected to the U.S. Senate from New Jersey in 2000. He declined to seek re-election in 2006.

January 25, 2007 - Carol Moseley Braun running for President
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun announced that she would be a candidate for President in the 2004 election. "President Dole has not articulated to the American people the reasons we are in Iraq, as President, I will say three simple things. We overthrew a brutal dictator. We failed to plan for a post-Saddam Iraq. Now, we will achieve victory by helping train the Iraqis as opposed to nation building. This, along with growing our economy by helping small businesses and investing in worker re-training programs and by reviving job growth in those sectors where we are losing ground, will be the focus of my presidency" Braun stated. Braun served as a U.S. Senator from 1993-1999 and as Governor of Illinois from 1999-2007.

March 5, 2007 - Gephardt tries it again
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt announced his third run for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Today, I am declaring that I will be a candidate for President in the 2004 election. I do so because unfortunately, the unfair trade agreements I warned Congress about are now starting to create what could be a long recession, and I want to reverse those trade agreements and repeal tax incentives for large companies to ship our jobs overseas" Gephardt stated. Gephardt made previous runs for President in 2004 and 1988. He served in Congress from 1977-2005 and as Democratic House Leader from 1995-2005.

April 5, 2007 - Pryor launches 2008 presidential bid
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LITTLE ROCK, AR - Sen. Mark Pryor announced he would seek the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "I believe Americans are looking for a President who will work across party lines to achieve victory in Iraq and fix our failing economy" Pryor told CNN. "Democrats haven't lost elections because we appeal to the political center, we've lost elections because we haven't focused on building a governing majority" Pryor stated.

May 10, 2007 - Richardson launches presidential campaign
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IOWA CITY, IA - Former Ambassador to Mexico Bill Richardson announced he would seek the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "As Americans, we need to start competing in a global economy, and we need to invest in education, infrastructure, and energy independence to help us move forward as a nation" Richardson stated. Richardson served in the U.S. House from 1983-1991, as Secretary of Education under Presidents Dukakis and Brown from 1992-1997, and as U.N. Ambassador to Mexico under President Tom Kean from 1997-2000 before becoming President of the University of New Mexico from 2001-2006.

May 15, 2007 - Daschle enters 2008 presidential race
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle entered the 2008 presidential race. "I have the experience of leadership and understand that our people need good jobs, quality health care, and a top notch education for their kids. I've dedicated my entire adult life to fighting for the values of the Democratic Party and the spirit of America. That spirit has taken a hit under the failed presidency of Elizabeth Dole, it's time to restore America's middle class and leadership role in the world, and I'm prepared to do just that" Daschle told supporters. Daschle served in the U.S. Senate from 1987-2005 and as U.S. Senate Minority Leader from 1999-2005.

June 5, 2007 - Poll: Daschle Democratic front-runner
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Tom Daschle 30%
Dick Gephardt 24%
Bill Richardson 20%
Carol Moseley Braun 15%
Jon Corzine 6%
Mark Pryor 4%
Other 1%

July 15, 2007 - Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate

"What I have seen in the last two and a half years under this President is someone who believes that we should cut taxes, nation build overseas, and do little else to improve the quality of life for our citizens. I believe we need to do more to grow our economy and succeed in Iraq. But, let's be honest here. While some on this stage were supporting the war, I was warning against nation building in Iraq. While some on this stage were supporting the tax cuts for the very rich, I was warning against those tax cuts. While some on this stage supported cutting funding for infrastructure and education, I was warning against those cuts. I believe this election is about the future of our country, it's a critical election. We need a President who will set us up for success, and I believe my record proves that I'm going to be the President who fights for better schools, a more vibrant economy, and ending the war in Iraq in a way which brings our troops homes and leaves Iraq stable. I know that by investing in health care, job training, and green energy, we can get out of this recession, and yes we are in a recession" - Bill Richardson

"What this country needs is someone who can bring people together regardless of political party to fix our economy, which is headed towards recession, and to secure victory in Iraq. President Dole has had opportunity after opportunity to work with members of both parties to invest in job training programs and for infrastructure projects, yet in all of her budgets, spending for both of those things has been reduced by 20% since she took office, yet tax deductions for large corporations, something she supported reversing during her vice presidency, have been increased by $30 billion. I know how to negotiate and get things done, and that's the difference in this election. I pledge three things to the American people tonight. I will secure victory in Iraq by training the Iraqis and allowing them to take over responsibility for their security. I will invest in job training programs so those who have been displaced in this economy can go into a growth sector. I will fight to make college tuition tax deductible not by just a third of the cost like it is now, but I will also make student loans tax deductible so more students can get a college degree and have less debt. It takes leadership that's willing to reach across party lines to achieve results" - Mark Pryor

"For eighteen years in the U.S. Senate and a dozen years in leadership, I have dealt with virtually every issue our country is dealing with today. In the area of health care, where we have nearly 3 million Americans lacking health insurance, I have proposed mandating that states use SCHIP money to go towards providing every child in America with quality health insurance. In the area of education, I'm proud to have fought for the largest anti-drug campaign in our nation's history, and I plan on fighting for more funding towards anti-crime programs in schools for our at-risk youth. On economic development, it was my bill, which we passed shortly after this President's election, which allowed consumers to deduct up to $5,000 from their federal income taxes, expenses they had purchasing green technology. As President, I'll fight for more green and R&D tax credits to create jobs and revive our economy in two promising sectors. On foreign policy, I've been to more countries than any senate minority leader in our history. I understand the situation in Iraq, and I'll end this war as soon as possible. In my judgement, we must have a temporary surge in our forces in Iraq before withdrawing. I stand here before you today because I believe that we need a President who is focused on reviving the middle class and working families, someone with experience, and someone who understands what ordinary people go through" - Tom Daschle

"I'm proud of having dedicated my entire adult life to public service, as a prosecutor, U.S. Senator, and Governor. I spent six years in Washington and fought for the issues I care about, and I'm proud of my record. As Governor, I have brought Republicans and Democrats together in passing $2 billion in tax relief, education reform which demands higher standards and reformed tenure in our state, I fought to use all of our state's SCHIP dollars to reduce the number of uninsured children in my state to zero, the lowest number in America, we put in place the nation's toughest laws regarding welfare and medicare fraud, and we reduced crime by increasing the number of police on our streets while passing three-strikes sentencing laws. I believe our country needs someone who has had to fight for policy and make decisions in the white house. This President does not have that experience, and so she has spent a great deal of these last few years alienating people who disagree with her. I'm not running for President to raise taxes and increase the size and scope of government, I'm running for President to demand excellence in education, to reduce taxes on small businesses who create the vast majority of jobs in this country, to fight for more police on our streets along with three-strikes sentencing laws, and I'm running for President because I believe my plan on Iraq, which is a temporary surge where we ask the shiites, sunnis, and kurds to each create their own state within Iraq, is the only path to victory. My presidency will be focused on uniting a divided country, and on governing with the best interests of all of our people in mind" - Carol Moseley Braun

"The truth is, this Democratic primary is a referendum on Iraq. All of us up here agree that we need to increase health care access, invest in education, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and help more kids go to college. What we disagree with is how we succeed in Iraq. Tom Daschle has stated consistently since 1991 that he believes we should invade Iraq, and Dick Gephardt said those of us who voted against the war were playing politics. Congressman Gephardt and Senator Daschle should be supporting the President for re-election with their over the top rhetoric. I voted against this war because I know that while Saddam Hussein has consistently violated human rights, he posed no threat to the security of the United States. As President, I will end this war and bring our troops home six months after I take office. I can promise you this, I'm the only candidate in either party who will be straight with you on this. President Dole, Senator Daschle, and Congressman Gephardt will tell you that what I'm proposing is radical and dangerous, but there is not anything more dangerous that young men and women being involved in a war where we are nation building. Let me also state that I am opposed to nation building, and I certainly am opposed to unnecessary conflicts. The only nation building we should do is here at home" - Jon Corzine

"I'm Dick Gephardt and I'm running for President to fight for the middle class and to tell Americans the truth on Iraq. I have warned the American people about the dangers of NAFTA going back 20 years. Unfortunately, we have lost over 350,000 manufacturing jobs in a decade as a direct result of NAFTA. Farmers in Mexico have seen declining incomes, and our farmers have now had the worst two years since the 1970s. I will reverse NAFTA and tell manufacturers that they do not have to pay taxes for their first five years of operation. That's why we are in an economic downturn, it's trade agreements which have sent our jobs and incomes overseas. Now, on Iraq. I supported overthrowing Saddam Hussein because I know he has been a threat to the United States, and I know that he tortured and murdered millions of people, many of them his own. I'm afraid President Dole has done a poor job conducting this war, and that's something I warned about even before we went into Iraq. I've said that I will support the plan which is supported by those who are on the ground: we need more troops and more training, so I'm willing to commit to that so long as there is an end in sight. I believe that we can succeed in Iraq, and I know we can create jobs here at home, and that's why I'm asking for your support" - Dick Gephardt

August 15, 2007 - Gore backs Daschle in presidential bid
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MANCHESTER, NH - Senate Minority Leader Al Gore, the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee, backed Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in his 2008 presidential campaign. "Tom Daschle is running for President as a champion of the values of the Democratic Party, he is courageous and has the judgement to lead" Gore said of Daschle.

September 15, 2007 - Braun promises not to raise taxes, investments in education and health care, three state solution in Iraq
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IOWA CITY, IA - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Carol Moseley Braun told an Iowa audience she would invest in education and health care, but stated she would not increase taxes. Braun called for covering every child in America with health care under SCHIP, a cost of $12 billion per year. She also said that she would send more money to states for educational purposes, so long as the states passed tenure reform and came up with new ways to help students with special needs and those unable to get ahead. Additionally, Braun pledged that she would stop automatic increases in federal spending, and she said she would not increase taxes. Braun also voiced support for a three state solution in Iraq, the only presidential candidate to do so.

October 10, 2007 - President Dole announces re-election bid
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CHAPEL HILL, NC - President Elizabeth Dole returned to her native state of North Carolina to officially launch her 2008 presidential bid. "Today, Iraq is a free country and the world has one less brutal dictator in power. America is investing in green technology and in rebuilding our infrastructure. Crime rates are at their lowest levels in three generations. Working with Speaker Watts, Senator Frist, and others, we have managed to use the success of the Kean administration and implement policies which have emphasized public safety, fiscal discipline, and personal responsibility. We have seen an era of greater civility in Washington. Yet, our opponents want to move us back to the spend and tax politics of another era. My fellow citizens, we can't let them. We must move forward with confidence and a sense of responsibility. So, today, I announce that I will stand as a candidate for re-election as President of the United States" Dole stated.

October 12, 2007 - Daschle claims to be best alternative to Dole, lays out five point agenda
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DES MOINES, IA - Democratic Presidential Candidate Tom Daschle declared that he was the candidate best prepared to run against President Dole, arguing his experience and ability to continuously win in a red state prepared him for a general election campaign against Dole. Daschle said if elected President, he would fight for five major policy items during his first term. Daschle pledged to train the Iraqis to take over security of their own country, make college loans tax deductible, raise the federal minimum wage, using tax credits to encourage R&D as well as green technology, and he pledged to increase funding for worker re-training programs.

October 23, 2007 - Gephardt wins backing of former house colleagues and leading Democrats, talks trade and health care
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CHARLESTON, SC - 45 House Democrats, including Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi, joined Former Governor of New York Mario Cuomo, Rock Star Bruce Springsteen, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, Senator Barbra Boxer of California, and 2000 Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, in endorsing Dick Gephardt's presidential campaign as Gephardt outlined his vision for the country. Gephardt stated if elected President, his top domestic priorities would be repealing NAFTA and providing subsidized health care for those earning below $200,000 per year by asking those earning above $400,000 to pay the same tax rates they paid before the Kean tax cuts of 1997.

November 1, 2007 - Anti-war Democrats back Corzine as Corzine compares front-runners to Dole on Iraq
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DOVER, NH - Senator Jon Corzine, 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate, won the support of Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), Retired General Wesley Clark (D-AR), and Former Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) in his 2008 presidential bid. Corzine has continued his stance that the Democratic Presidential Primaries was a referendum on Iraq, and that he and his opponents agreed on domestic issues for the most part. Corzine stated that he believes opponents Dick Gephardt and Tom Daschle are the same as President Dole on Iraq.

November 5, 2007 - Former President Jerry Brown endorses Carol Moseley Braun
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HILLSBOROUGH, SC - Former President Jerry Brown endorsed Carol Moseley Braun for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Carol Moseley Braun has experience, and has the vision to help lift Americans spirits. She understands what leadership is about, and she has been a tireless advocate for ordinary people for her entire life" Brown said of Braun.

November 15, 2007 - Approval ratings of Presidents Carter-Dole
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Approve Vs. Disapprove
Jimmy Carter - 37% Approve 50% Disapprove
Ronald Reagan - 75% Approve 20% Disapprove
Michael Dukakis - 39% Approve 44% Disapprove
Jerry Brown - 46% Approve 45% Disapprove
Tom Kean 71% Approve 21% Disapprove
Elizabeth Dole 53% Approve 44% Disapprove

Favorable Vs. Unfavorable
Jimmy Carter - 42% Favorable 49% Unfavorable
Ronald Reagan - 77% Favorable 10% Unfavorable
Michael Dukakis- 41% Favorable 42% Unfavorable
Jerry Brown- 48% Favorable 47% Unfavorable
Tom Kean - 81% Favorable 7% Unfavorable
Elizabeth Dole - 52% Favorable 44% Unfavorable

Best President in the last 27 years
Ronald Reagan 30%
Tom Kean 24%
Jerry Brown 18%
Elizabeth Dole 17%
Michael Dukakis 4%
None 3%
Jimmy Carter 2%

November 23, 2007 - Richardson: I'm the candidate of experience, not Daschle
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LANSING, MI - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Richardson told voters that he, and not Tom Daschle, is the most experienced presidential candidate. "Tom Daschle and I both served in congress, but while Senator Daschle stayed in congress, I left to lead the Department of Education and I served as U.N. Ambassador to Mexico. I dealt not only with the issues a congress and the President deals with, but also issues on education, economic development, immigration, and international affairs" Richardson told voters. He also slammed Daschle's support for the war in Iraq. "I opposed this war from the start, something Tom Daschle didn't do" he added.

November 28, 2007 - Pryor reconciles moderate record with liberal voters
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CHARLESTON, SC - Democratic Presidential Candidate Mark Pryor told voters in South Carolina despite the fact that his record was that of a moderate, he was best fit to represent Democratic primary voters in a general election. Pledging more funding for job training programs and infrastructure, Pryor told Democrats he was one of them despite his pro-life, pro-tradditional marriage positions. "I am with my party on most things, but I'm also not afraid to take on the establishment" Pryor stated.

December 2, 2007 - Corzine funds anti-war rally in D.C. as he leads Democrats in fundraising
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WASHINGTON, DC - Former Senator Jon Corzine, seeking the Democratic Presidential Nomination, hosted an anti-war rally outside the U.S. Capitol. 2,000 people attended and speakers included Retired General Wesley Clark, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, and even Republican Senator Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island. Corzine, who out-raised his Democratic opponents, spoke as well.

December 10, 2007 - RNC launches attack ad on Gephardt, Daschle ahead of Iowa Caucus
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WASHINGTON, DC - The Republican National Committee launched it's first negative television advertising of the 2008 presidential campaign, focused on Democratic Hopefuls Tom Daschle and Dick Gephardt. The ad attacked their position on the war in Iraq, and questioned their consistency and fitness to serve.

December 15, 2007 - Democratic Primary turns negative between Gephardt, Daschle
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IOWA CITY, IA - Democratic presidential front-runners Dick Gephardt and Tom Daschle turned up the heat on one another in Iowa with less than a month to go before the Iowa Caucus. "Tom Daschle advocated for NAFTA, refused to post the minimum wage for a vote twice, voted for the Kean tax cuts for the very rich, and supported tax breaks for big oil, I don't think middle class families can afford what Senator Daschle is offering" Gephardt stated. "Dick Gephardt has now run for President twice unsuccessfully. He has refused to work with members of congress on improving NAFTA and reforming our tax code. We Democrats can't afford to lose another election because America needs strong, steady leadership, not someone who doesn't work well with others" Daschle said of Gephardt. With polling showing the pair ahead nationally and in Iowa, the campaign has turned increasingly negative.

December 15, 2007 - Kean speaks out, praises Dole, Braun, Gephardt, and Daschle
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NEW YORK, NY - Former President of the United States Tom Kean praised his successor, but also said kind things about her possible general election opponents. "Elizabeth Dole has done everything she promised she'd do in 2004, and given her tremendous integrity, I'm not surprised" Kean said of Dole, who served as his Vice President prior to her election as President. "There is no question that Carol Moseley Braun is serious about governing, she's quite effective" Kean said. He also said that "Gephardt and Daschle are principled people, I have had my differences with them, but I've also worked with them more often than not" he added.

December 20, 2007 - Braun all in in New Hampshire, Corzine spending in early states, Daschle & Gephardt running national campaigns as Richardson, Pryor struggle for resources
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WASHINGTON, DC - With polls showing a tight race between Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle and Former House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, both men have continued to run national campaigns. Gephardt and Daschle have continued to trade barbs in Iowa especially. Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun,  4th in fundraising, has focused heavily on New Hampshire. Braun has run an ideologically free campaign, and analysts say she is an attractive general election candidate. But, she has scarce resources despite having a strong grassroots support network in New Hampshire. Former Senator Jon Corzine, running as the anti-war candidate, has been spending money in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida. Corzine leads the candidates in the money race. Meanwhile, Senator Mark Pryor struggles for resources, as he is considered too moderate for many Democratic primary voters. Bill Richardson's campaign has not been able to fundraise like he was earlier in the year. While Daschle and Gephardt rely on name I.D. to carry them nationally, Corzine counts on money, Braun on a strong win in New Hampshire, and both Richardson and Pryor rely on major upsets early on.  

January 4, 2008 - Iowa Caucus: Corzine defies the odds
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IOWA CITY, IA - Former Senator Jon Corzine defied all of the presidential odds and won the Iowa caucuses, defeating runner-up Tom Daschle 33%-30%. Carol Moseley Braun placed third with 20%, followed by Dick Gephardt, who won the caucuses twice before, in a distant forth with just 10%. Bill Richardson won 4% as Mark Pryor won 2%. Exit polling showed liberals and those opposing the Iraq war were key to Corzine's victory, though Daschle did well with moderates and Braun won overwhelmingly with voters who considered electability a top concern.

January 7, 2008 - Poll: Democratic Primary a toss-up, nation divided over Dole

Democratic Primary
Tom Daschle 30%
Jon Corzine 28%
Dick Gephardt 20%
Carol Moseley Braun 18%
Bill Richardson 2%
Mark Pryor 1%
Other 1%

Dole Approval
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 47%

General Election Match-Ups

Carol Moseley Braun 48%
Elizabeth Dole 46%

Tom Daschle 47%
Elizabeth Dole 47%

Elizabeth Dole 48%
Dick Gephardt 47%

Elizabeth Dole 48%
Jon Corzine 44%

January 10, 2008 - Giuliani, Watts stump for Dole in New Hampshire
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LEBANON, NH - Senator Rudy Giuliani and House Speaker J.C. Watts stumped for President Elizabeth Dole's re-election campaign in New Hampshire in an effort to win media attention from the ongoing Democratic Presidential primary. "President Dole has worked with me and members of both parties to cap federal spending, cut taxes, and reduce the size of the federal workforce by over 10,000 workers per year for the last three years. My fellow citizens, government is smaller, taxes are lower, and the growth of federal spending is less today than it was in 2005" Speaker Watts stated. "President Dole has made clear her vision for the future based on her record. We'll keep taxes low, exercise fiscal discipline, and we'll fund social security, medicare, our military, and pay down the national debt. The Democratic Candidates have come to New Hampshire to promise you more government for less money. That doesn't make sense. They either want to borrow more, tax more, or they aren't telling you the truth. In fact, Senator Daschle has proposed $500 billion in new spending with no way to pay for it" Senator Giuliani stated.

January 11, 2008 - New Hampshire Primary: Braun wins, Richardson withdrawals
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MANCHESTER, NH - Governor of Illinois Carol Mosely Braun won New Hampshire's presidential primary, defeating opponent Jon Corzine 33%-21%, with Tom Daschle and Richard Gephardt garnering 19% and 17% respectively. Candidates Mark Pryor and Bill Richardson were in single digits, and Richardson ended his presidential campaign. Key to Braun's victory was support from independents and moderates, as well as those voters who considered electability key in nominating a Democrat for President. On the top priority to New Hampshire voters, Iraq, she had a three-point lead over anti-war candidate Jon Corzine.

January 19, 2008 - South Carolina Primary: Braun dominates, Pryor & Gephardt withdrawal
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CHARLESTON, SC - Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun won her second straight victory of the 2008 primary season, garnering 50% of the votes cast in South Carolina's Presidential Primary, dominating all ideological and demographic groups. Tom Daschle placed second with 25%, ahead of Mark Pryor (10%), Dick Gephardt (7%), and Jon Corzine (5%). In his third attempt at the presidency, Gephardt ended his 2008 presidential campaign, citing a lack of funds. After a poor showing in a state he considered key to his campaign, Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas ended his campaign.

January 22, 2008 - Three Democrats debate ahead of "Mini-Tuesday"
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"I've had the privilege of serving in Washington, but where I felt I made the greatest impact was in Illinois as a Governor for eight years. I came into office facing a state which lagged behind the region in job growth, which had the highest crime rate in the midwest, and which had the tenth highest rate of high school drop-outs in America. So, I went to work and worked with Republicans and Democrats to get things done. First, we took care of spending. We froze all spending not related to education, pensions, and veterans care. We closed that budget gap by closing corporate tax loopholes, and the following year we passed the largest tax relief in our state's history, we cut taxes on personal income, small and medium-sized businesses, and we reduced property taxes by 15% on seniors and lower income families. We then expanded funding for special needs classrooms in our schools and passed teacher tenure reform. I then went to work and took on crime, we passed three-stikes sentencing laws and added over 7,000 police to our streets. We also, using federal SCHIP dollars as well as our cigarette tax, expanded medicaid to cover all of our uninsured children. Today, Illinois has the second best job growth in the region, crime is down 37%, welfare rolls are down by 42%, and we have a $300 million budget surplus" - Carol Moseley Braun

"The most important aspect of my record is my opposition to the War in Iraq. The next President of the United States must lead with moral clarity and must exercise judgment, and I've done that in the United States Senate on this issue. I will end this war because I know that entering Iraq was a huge mistake. The three of us up here have been in politics, but let's look at our records and compare them. I served six years in the senate after spending most of my life in the private sector, both of my opponents are career politicians. But, each of us has our own record. I am proud to have fought against this war, against this President's judicial appointments, and for making sure this President didn't cut a penny from health care for children. I won some fights, I lost some fights, and I'm proud of my record. Governor Braun and Senator Daschle both supported the war in Iraq, supported the Kean tax cuts for the rich of the last decade, supported vouchering programs key to our seniors, supported the privatization of education, and supported this President's reckless trade policies which have hurt American workers" - Jon Corzine

"In the U.S. Senate, I dealt with every foreign policy issue facing this country. I have been on trade missions to South America 27 times, foreign investment in America is at historic levels in part because of the trade missions I took in 1995 and again in 1997. I also was an effective leader for the Democratic Party, having fought to raise our minimum wage, won passage of medicaid expansion, ensured the environmental cleanup was in President Kean's budget, and I'm proud to have fought to eliminate the federal income tax for middle and lower income Americans. My opponents in this race don’t have the same experience in both foreign policy and domestic affairs that I do, I served for a decade on the senate foreign relations committee and six years on the intelligence committee, Senator Corzine and Senator Braun have less foreign policy experience even combined” – Tom Daschle

“I want to level with the American people about our budgetary situation. We are enjoying a budget surplus in this country, we have the lowest tax burden since the 1920s, and we have a balanced budget. When I was in the U.S. Senate, I proudly supported the Kean tax cuts and a balanced budget amendment to the constitution. But today, we are seeing economic growth that has diminished over the last year, and this President hasn’t done a thing about it. President Dole came into office, passed some minor tax cuts, and then opposed Democrats efforts to invest in infrastructure and worker re-training. As President, I will use the current surplus to continue to pay into medicare and social security, but I also will support an economic stimulus package to invest in infrastructure, more small business tax cuts, and worker re-training. The cost will be around $200 billion over a four-year period. I have said I won’t raise taxes and that’s a promise I intend to keep” – Carol Moseley Braun

“You just heard Governor Braun admit she supported the tax cuts of the late 1990s which benefitted the wealthy and she supported a balanced budget amendment which has led to flat funding for infrastructure improvements, SCHIP, and worker re-training programs. I’ll reverse the tax cuts for the very rich, provide every child in America with health insurance, and invest in education. As far as the economy is concerned, the reason we are in a slowdown period is because wages are stagnant, the real stimulus would be raising the minimum wage and giving tax breaks to companies which raise wages more than 5% per year” – Jon Corzine

January 29, 2008 - Mini-Tuesday: 8 states vote; Braun wins 5, Daschle 2, Corzine 1
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CHICAGO, IL - Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun won decisive victories in five states across the nation. With all the votes counted, she easily won her home state of Illinois with 72% of the vote, as well as winning primaries in Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, and Minnesota. Tom Daschle won Wyoming's Democratic Caucus, as well as West Virginia's Democratic Presidential Primary. Jon Corzine managed to secure victory in Delaware's presidential primary.

February 2, 2008 - Gephardt backs Braun for President
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ATLANTA, GA - Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Dick Gephardt endorsed Carol Moseley Braun for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Carol Moseley Braun has brought independents into the process, and she has proven she can win the hearts and minds of traditional Democrats. I'm confident she has the best chance of defeating Elizabeth Dole in November, and she has my support in doing so" Gephardt stated.

February 7, 2008 - Super Tuesday: 12 states vote; Braun wins 8 contests, Daschle 3, Corzine 1
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ATLANTA, GA - Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun won a clean sweep of 8 of the 12 presidential contests voting on Super Tuesday. Braun secured victories in Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Nevada as opponent Tom Daschle won his home state of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Idaho. Jon Corzine secured victory in his home state of New Jersey.

February 8, 2008 - Dole makes first public comments about Democratic Presidential Primary
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WASHINGTON, DC - During an interview with Fox News, President Elizabeth Dole made her first comments about the Democrats seeking the nomination to oppose her. "The truth is, even in this rough patch, more Americans are working today than were when the Democrats had the white house, we have a budget surplus as opposed to deficits, welfare rolls are half of what they were when they left office, and wages are higher by roughly 20%, in no twelve year period in history have wages grown by so much" the President said. "It appears Governor Braun is doing well, she is their front-runner and I look forward to a dialogue with her. She believes that the solution in Iraq is to do more nation building as opposed to focusing on training the Iraqis, which is ironic since she has been critical of us for nation building. She also believes that we should spend more on infrastructure despite us passing a highway bill which is the largest in history. In Illinois, their highway trust fund has been borrowed from three years in a row, that's not leadership" the President added.

February 10, 2008 - Daschle ends Presidential Bid
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WASHINGTON, DC - Former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle ended his 2008 presidential campaign after placing second in both the popular vote and in terms of delegates.

February 14, 2008 - Braun wins contests in Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana
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TOPEKA, KS - Governor of Illinois Carol Moseley Braun won decisive victories in Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana - defeating opponent Jon Corzine by double-digits in each of the three states.

February 15, 2008 - Corzine ends presidential bid
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Carol Moseley Braun secures Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"Together, you and I have made history. Our campaign has been one which has been focused on bringing our country together and working together to create a new American century. We have promoted my record of cutting taxes, raising standards in education, adding police to our streets, expanding health care access, and demanding accountability in welfare in the state of Illinois. I'll proudly compare my record to the President's, and we will prevail because we offer Americans a clear choice. The President is happy with economic stagnation and a war in Iraq without a plan for victory. Working together, you and I will keep taxes low, invest in health care, education, and improving our roads, and we'll still generate budget surpluses while paying down the national debt and ensuring that medicare and social security are there for future generations. We'll fight together to pass teacher tenure reform and more funding for special needs classrooms. I'll fight to end the war in Iraq safely and with the honor our troops deserve. We'll make sure the factions in Iraq can care for their own security, and we'll help the Iraqis create a three-state solution to avoid civil war. The President's agenda for the next four years? She has no plan, no vision, and she offers us no hope for a brighter tomorrow" - Carol Moseley Braun

April 25, 2008 - Dole calls for a national sales tax holiday, $200 billion tax increase to pay for projected budget shortfall in FY'09
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WASHINGTON, DC - In response to a weakened U.S. economy and a projected $200 billion deficit in 2009, President Elizabeth Dole called on congress to fund a six-month sales tax holiday for states through sending aid to states. She also called for a $200 billion tax increase to pay for a projected $200 billion deficit in 2009. Dole's tax plan would hike taxes on incomes above $200,000 per year to pre-Kean era levels, while also rolling back the capital gains tax reduction President Kean signed into law in 1997.

April 29, 2008 - Speaker Watts opposes Dole on taxes, congress votes down Dole proposal after Democrats are divided
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WASHINGTON, DC - In a vote of 200-235, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down President Dole's proposed sales tax holiday and tax increase. House Speaker JC Watts opposed the measure, stating that the President should reduce taxes, not increase them, during a time of economic decline. The measure was sponsored in the house by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD). Of the 200 members who supported the measure, 160 were Democrats and 40 were Republicans. Democratic Presidential Hopeful Carol Moseley Braun urged Democrats in congress to oppose the measure.

May 5, 2008 - Dole signs Watts compromise tax reform into law
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Elizabeth Dole signed a bi-partisan bill into law, written by House Speaker JC Watts (R-OK) and Senate Minority Leader Al Gore (D-TN) which included in it a $150 billion package reducing the employee portion of the payroll tax for a year, while also sending aid to states for a four month sales tax holiday into law. The bill also sent an additional $15 billion in funding for worker re-training programs back to states. In an effort to avoid raising taxes to pay for a projected $200 billion deficit in 2009, the new law also froze non-defense discretionary spending at FY2008 budget levels and reduced aid to states by 15% for an eighteen-month period, with an exemption for education, veterans care, medicare, and medicaid.

June 1, 2008 - Dole announces surge of 12,000 forces in Iraq, Braun calls for a "three state solution"
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Elizabeth Dole announced that 12,000 additional U.S. troops would be sent to Iraq to help "speed the process of training the Iraqis to care for their own security." The President expressed confidence in the administration's strategy. Democratic Presidential Hopeful Carol Moseley Braun said that while she supported the surge, she believed that the "only long term solution in Iraq is to divide the country in three parts so each ethnic group can have their own territory, which will reduce the likelihood of civil war."

July 17, 2008 - Braun picks Carper as running-mate
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DOVER, DE - Democratic Presidential Candidate Carol Moseley Braun announced that Senator Tom Carper of Delaware would be her running-mate in the 2008 presidential election. Carper, a former two-term Governor and 2000 Democratic Presidential Candidate, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 and re-elected in 2006. "In Tom Carper, I see an experienced and proven leader who cares more about results than ideology" Braun said. Carper is best known for having broke with his party in support of the "Cap Federal Spending Act" supported by President Elizabeth Dole and House Speaker JC Watts.

August 5, 2008 - Sen. Tom Carper accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"What brings us here, to this convention hall, and to this moment in our nation's history is not bitterness, nor anger, nor pessimism because our party hasn't won a national election since 1992. What motivates us is hope for the future, the American dream that will be reclaimed, and the optimism we all share. Governor Braun and I have seen this administration promise and promise our citizens better. They have not delivered, they have not lived up to our expectations, and we know that mediocrity is not what people are looking for. Carol Moseley Braun and I believe that we should keep taxes low, balance the budget, pay into social security and medicare, and pay down the debt. But, we also believe that instead of giving more tax breaks to big business and low interest loans to large corporations, we should instead provide every child in America with health insurance, increase local aid to education and demand accountability in the classroom through tenure reform, and we believe in investing in our infrastructure. We don't believe in broken promises, but in new beginnings" - Tom Carper, accepting Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination

August 6, 2008 - Carol Moseley Braun accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"Four years ago, the President told Americans she would be a good steward of the prosperity that was ours. I'm not afraid to say it my fellow Democrats, President Kean did a good job as President of the United States. What this President promised us was more of the same. But growth was replaced by stagnation, surpluses have been replaced by projected budget gaps, record home ownership has been replaced by the most foreclosures in two decades, and leadership was replaced by politics. In Illinois, I've done things differently. I worked with Republicans and Democrats to add 7,000 police to our streets, to sign the largest tax relief in the history of our state, to reform teacher tenure and double aid for education and special needs classrooms, we expanded health care access to all of our uninsured children, and we reformed our welfare system by requiring work even before the federal government does. As President of the United States, I will be a decisive and determined executive. To help our economy, I will fight to reduce taxes on 80% of American businesses, to invest in rebuilding our infrastructure, and I'll fight for teacher tenure reform and more educational aid so the workforce of tomorrow has the skills these times and future times demand. To help increase health care access for our children, I'll expand SCHIP and mandate that health care companies offer affordable plans for lower-income families and their children if they want to provide coverage across state lines. In Iraq, I offer Americans fresh credibility. Whether or not you supported the decision to go into Iraq, we are there, but this administration has no plan, no strategy, and no credibility to see the mission through. I'll train the Iraqis to provide for their own security, and I'll fight so each faction has their own territory as to avoid Civiil War. We need a President who is a leader, who has vision, and who can bring people together, and that's the kind of President I intend to be" - Carol Moseley Braun, accepting Democratic Presidential Nomination

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August 27, 2008 - Hutchison accepts GOP Vice Presidential Nomination
"Over the last four years, we have joined together as a nation to preserve the economic growth and broad prosperity of the 1990s. We have moved forward with unity and resolve. Our record is clear. We've cut taxes on working families and employers, we have added police to our streets which has helped reduce crime to it's lowest level in 40 years, we've invested in green energy tax credits which has helped pave the way for a promising alternative energy sector, we've invested in our roads and bridges, we have placed spending caps on congress, and we overthrew a brutal dictator while liberating 25 million people and making the world safer. Despite this record, and despite the fact that unemployment and poverty today are lower than they were just 12 years ago, Americans are uncertain about the future. The economic growth we saw from 1998 until 2007 has slowed. The future seems questionable, and Americans are skeptical of big government. The President and I will run on our record. We pledge to keep taxes low, move towards energy independence, invest in our infrastructure, ensure that we re-train displaced workers, and we'll continue to fight for choice and accountability in education. Our opponents have a very different view. They have a different record. In Illinois, Governor Braun increased state spending 25% above the rate of inflation. She raised taxes on half the largest businesses in her state. She increased economic regulations in her state, including banning natural gas exploration and mandating that businesses handed over their financial records to her Treasury Department. These times don't demand big government, they demand limited government and personal responsibility" - Vice President Kay Bailey Hutchison

August 28, 2008 - President Dole accepts Republican Presidential Nomination
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"As President of the United States, I have had to make tough decisions. The American people have come together to support our agenda, an agenda which has sought to make government more accountable and more efficient. Between capping federal spending, cutting taxes, investing in our highways and roadways, enacting tough ethics reform, and taking on crime in our communities, Americans have become safer and better assured that government is on their side. However, the people of this country don't want an activist government, they want a government which works for them, not the other way around. In a second term, I'll fight to block-grant programs such as housing vouchers, agricultural subsidies, and funding for the arts back to the states. I'll fight to keep your taxes low and to ensure congress lives by the federal spending caps and ethics reform legislation we've implemented. More tough, yet necessary, decisions are going to have to be made. But, the toughest decision I've made as your President has already been made. For more than 15 years, Saddam Hussein posed a threat to the entire world. He defied the United States and our allies on numerous occasions. He committed war crimes against his own people. Today, my fellow citizens, Iraq is a free country, and the United States is safer and better off because of it, as is the world. Now, as we train the Iraqis to care for their own security, we have an obligation to ensure we are successful not just for Iraq, but so the United States can have a stable ally in a troubled region. I commit to you, as President of the United States, I'll get the job done. I'm proud of the heroism and patriotism of our brave men and women in uniform. It's an honor to lead the greatest nation on this earth, and it's an honor to be the commander-in-cheif for the greatest force for good on earth, the United States and our armed forces. My opponent agrees with me that the United States is the greatest force for good. Her place in our history is unquestioned. But, her record and positions leave a lot to be desired. In the U.S. Senate, Carol Moseley Braun voted against tax relief on 47 different occasions, she voted to increase taxes 7 times, she opposed a ban on earmarks, she voted against funding for our intelligence community, and she voted against funding for border security. As a Governor, Carol Moseley Braun raised taxes, increased spending, slashed funding for worker re-training programs, and signed into law the largest one-state government-run health care plan in the nation. Today, Carol Moseley Braun can't decide where she stands on Iraq. She said she was for the war despite having voted against the Gulf War. Six months later, she said she might have misspoke about Iraq. Then, she claimed she supported a surge in Iraq. After that, she said she supported a three-state solution. Now, she says it doesn't matter what she thought in the beginning, yet she supports a three-state solution and opposed the surge. My fellow citizens, now is not a time for indecisive leadership, it's time for an experienced commander-in-cheif to get the job done" - President Elizabeth Dole

September 2, 2008 - Poll: Braun takes big lead, Dole approval below 50% for first time
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Presidential Race
Carol Moseley Braun 48%
Elizabeth Dole 41%

Dole Approval
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 47%

September 15, 2008 - Source: Watts won't seek re-election as Speaker
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WASHINGTON, DC - An anonymous source close to House Speaker JC Watts said that the Oklahoma Congressman would not seek another term as Speaker. The source said that Watts, a close ally of President Tom Kean who was an early supporter of President Elizabeth Dole, was disappointed with President Dole, and was "fed up" with Washington politics.

October 4, 2008 - Dole, Braun participate in domestic policy Presidential Debate
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"My opponent has run around the country trying to convince the American people that our economy is already in recession. The last six months have challenged the American economy, and my administration has taken action with congress to prevent a recession. But, here are the facts. Unemployment, poverty, and foreclosures are still lower today than they were 12 years ago when the Democrats last occupied the White House. My administration has reduced taxes by $315 billion, we've implemented federal spending caps, and we've freed up access to credit for small businesses seeking to expand. We've encouraged green energy and we've invested in our nation's infrastructure. Over the last 12 years, Americans have created 20 million jobs, and incomes are up over $4,000 - that's 40% more than in the 12 year period prior. In a second term, we'll force congress to live by the federal spending cap they passed, we'll keep taxes low and work to again cut taxes on small businesses, we'll move our country towards energy independence by allowing for more off-shore drilling and encouraging solar, wind, and natural gas technologies." - Elizabeth Dole

"This year was the worst year for job growth in 13 years, we have the highest level of foreclosures in a decade, and median wages have remained flat for the first time since the recession in 1991. The President has called for a massive tax increase on our families to pay for a projected deficit she created by not paying for our mission in Iraq. We aren't heading in the right direction. As President, I will keep taxes low. I'll pay for social security and medicare. I'll invest in health care, education, and in debt reduction. The best way to close next year's budget gap is by curbing federal spending. So, I have proposed not re-hiring all civilian employees who are retiring this year, freezing salary increases for the top 20% of the federal workforce, cutting agricultural subsidies for farms making over $150,000 per year, and slowing the growth of, but not stopping the growth of, our military. I haven't ruled out a tax increase on those earning above $500,000 per year, but I recognize that that's a risk during recession. To grow our economy, I have said I'll create a permanent 20% tax reduction on small business, increase green energy tax credits, support infrastructure investments, and invest in worker re-training for displaced workers. I’ll also fight to raise the minimum wage, support tax credits for hiring people off of unemployment, and champion R&D tax credits. Together, we’ll avoid recession and return to growth” – Carol Moseley Braun

“As Governor of Illinois, I took on the political establishment of both parties in the area of education. I took on Democrats and won passage of historic teacher tenure reform in our state. Illinois has the toughest regulations in terms of how we award tenure in the nation, we doubled the time in which a teacher could receive tenure. I took on Republicans and called for, and implemented, the most funding for education in state history. As President, I’ll continue to support school choice, but I’ll also fight for tenure reform, more funding for special education classrooms, and I’ll set a goal for America’s colleges: we will increase the number of the poorest, yet highest achieving students in America who are admitted to colleges by 15% over the next eight years with the help of scholarships, more funding, and pell grants” – Carol Moseley Braun

“My administration has presided over the implementation of the work President Kean and I did in the area of expanding school choice. School funding at the federal level has increased by 25% over the last 12 years, the number of students in charter schools has increased by 7% in that time period, and the number of students in private institutions is at it’s highest level since 1955 today. Test scores have continued to increase and the achievement gap between white and minority students has closed to the lowest gap in history. My administration will continue to support school choice and we’ll sustain the level of state aid towards education we’ve enjoyed over the last 12 years. My opponent increased the size of her state’s Department of Education by 40% and in the U.S. Senate, she voted against a national voucher system twice. In terms of higher education, my administration has increased the use of business supported scholarships, and today 505,000 kids have gone to college on such scholarships, we’ll continue to support the program going forward” – Elizabeth Dole

 October 10, 2008 – Hutchison, Carper participate in Vice Presidential Debate

“Right now, what we lack in Washington is leadership. Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hutchison inherited a strong economy and relative peace. Today, we find ourselves slowing in terms of economic growth, and we are engaged in a war that I supported, but which now has been mismanaged by the current administration. Carol Moseley Braun and I will bring new leadership to the executive branch after four years of broken promises and missed opportunities. Governor Braun and I believe that by investing in our roads and bridges, supporting green energy, and supporting worker re-training and accountability in education, we’ll help grow our economy long term. We know that cutting taxes on small business while expanding health care access for the poorest children in America will help working families find good jobs without having to worry about affording health insurance for their kids. The current administration has ignored the experts who say we aren’t implementing green energy tax credits, SCHIP, or infrastructure investments properly. This administration promised sound economic management four years ago, they’ve failed to deliver. In Iraq, Governor Braun and I will ensure that Iraqis care for their own security and that civil war is avoided. Our opponents believe that the status-quo is acceptable, we won’t accept anything less than victory in Iraq” – Tom Carper

“For the last four years, President Dole and I have implemented an ambitious agenda beneficial to the American people. We’ve implemented federal spending caps, tough ethics reform, tax relief for small businesses and workers, and we have made the world safer by toppling a brutal dictator in Iraq. Another term gives us more opportunities to reduce taxes, invest in education and in our roads, continue to stop congress from over borrowing and over spending, and we’ll continue to train the Iraqis to care for their own security. The truth is, our opponents have a very different view. They support forcing a political agreement on Iraq, which the United States can not properly enforce. They support $400 billion in new spending, and they have not talked about how to pay for it other than to say they might raise your taxes. Americans deserve leadership that is willing to tell you the truth, the ways in which to confront our challenges, and decisive leadership which puts country before ideology” – Kay Bailey Hutchison


October 19, 2008 – Presidential Candidates debate foreign policy

“For 15 years, Saddam Hussein defied the international community. The United States and our allies invested resources to ensure that Saddam Hussein did not manufacture weapons of mass destruction. President Kean implemented a series of sanctions which forced Saddam to comply, for a period of five years, with weapons inspectors. What we learned in 2004 was that Saddam lied to inspectors about those weapons. We found out through a still classified source that Saddam hid weapons underground. We are still seeking out those weapons today. I made the toughest decision a President has to make, I declared war on Saddam Hussein knowing the potential risk, but knowing that he threatened world stability and American security. We overthrew a brutal dictator who will stand trial for crimes against humanity. Today, we are in the process of creating a secure Iraq. We need to stay the course, we are making progress, and the senate report which came out just seven weeks ago proves it” – Elizabeth Dole

“The President and I agree on the issue of Iraq. I was warning that Saddam Hussein was a threat to world stability and our security for a decade before we entered Iraq. I supported the President’s invasion of Iraq, I oppose the notion that we are simply going to train the Iraqis as one unified state to protect their own security. I believe that the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds should each have an equal area of land to control. These factions have historically been in conflict, and I fear civil war if we don’t allow each faction to control their own land and destiny. I think in addition, ensuring rights for women and public safety are also important for Iraq. But, both the President and I agree that the world is better off with Saddam Hussein out of power” – Carol Moseley Braun

“We have achieved increasing the size of our military to 1989 levels between 1997 and 2007, and I’m proud of that. I have said that we need to set a new goal of increasing the size of our military by 25,000 troops over a six-year period. That was the recommendation of the Joints Chiefs of Staff last year. My opponent has been critical of this proposal and has said she would only increase the size of our armed forces by 12,000 in eight years. That’s an outdated number and an outdated proposal. Additionally, my opponent has called for a freeze in funding for intelligence gathering operations. My administration has doubled funding for intelligence gathering operations and we will continue to support such missions” – Elizabeth Dole

“Our military, as a percentage of our population, is the largest it’s been in the history of our country. We spend $500 billion more on defense today than we did in 1995. I crossed party lines and voted for three of four Tom Kean budgets during his first term, all of which increased defense spending by between 12 and 15 percent. I voted for Tom Kean’s Military Expansion Act, which increased the number of troops in our armed forces to 1989 levels by 2007. I also have voted to increase funding for intelligence gathering on eight different occasions. What I have said is, this President’s calls for more funding aren’t paid for, haven’t been requested by military leaders, and our focus should be on shrinking duplication within the military and streamlining intelligence gathering operations” – Carol Moseley Braun


October 28, 2008 – Braun, Dole participate in final debate

“My fellow Americans, our country is at a crossroads. We can re-elect President Dole, who has done nothing to help grow our economy, nothing to avoid civil war in Iraq, nothing to raise our minimum wage, nothing to help expand health care access for children, and nothing to close a projected budget gap next year. In Illinois, I reduced taxes, held the line on spending, enacted historic education reform, took on a failing welfare system, and supported anti-crimine iniatives to make our streets safer. I believe in an era where people want government that is effective and limited as John F. Kennedy envisioned in 1960, we need a President who has a proven record of getting things done. I’ll be a bi-partisan President who will fight for tax relief for small businesses, to expand health care access for children, I’ll push for accountability in our education system, and I’ll be the President who succeeds in Iraq while avoiding civil conflict there. I’ll challenge Americans to end our dependence on foreign oil, and I’ll challenge states to invest in infrastructure with state and federal dollars. If you are ready for change, I’m prepared to lead an America where we all can achieve the dream our founders believed in for all of us” – Carol Moseley Braun

“For the last twelve years, I’ve had the honor of serving as Vice President and President of the United States. Working with Congress, we’ve made a great American comeback a reality. Today, taxes are lower, the national debt is lower, there are fewer Americans in poverty, and incomes are higher than they were in 1996. My administration has worked to cut taxes on working families and small businesses, we’ve supported green energy tax credits, we passed a cap on federal spending, and we’ve invested in infrastructure and worker re-training, despite my opponent’s insistence that we’ve failed. On the world stage, we toppled a brutal dictator, have combated genocide in Darfur, and we’ve made economic development in South America a part of our trade policy. This is an important election. Both of us are running on our records. You know mine. My opponent has been on both sides of several tough issues. She hasn’t had to make the tough decisions I’ve had to make. The fact of the matter is, I do have credibility on Iraq because we are succeeding there, and members of congress have reached the same conclusion based on numerous reports. We’ll succeed in Iraq, and we’ll avoid recession here at home” – Elizabeth Dole

November 2, 2008 – Braun wins, GOP keeps Congress
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Carol Moseley Braun / Tom Carper (D) 51%
Elizabeth Dole / Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) 48%
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Exit Polling
By political party
Republican – Elizabeth Dole 93% Carol Moseley Braun 6%
Democratic – Carol Moseley Braun 94% Elizabeth Dole 5%
Independent – Carol Moseley Braun 49% Elizabeth Dole 49%

By ideology
Conservative – Elizabeth Dole 91% Carol Moseley Braun 8%
Moderate – Carol Moseley Braun 50% Elizabeth Dole 49%
Liberal – Carol Moseley Braun 90% Elizabeth Dole 9%

By income
Less than $30,000 – Carol Moseley Braun 60% Elizabeth Dole 38%
$30,000-$60,000 – Carol Moseley Braun 59% Elizabeth Dole 40%
$60,000-$120,000 – Elizabeth Dole 51% Carol Moseley Braun 48%
$120,000-$250,000 - Elizabeth Dole 57% Carol Moseley Braun 42%
Above $250,000 - Elizabeth Dole 62% Carol Moseley Braun 37%

By ethnicity
White - Elizabeth Dole 60% Carol Moseley Braun 38%
Black – Carol Moseley Braun 99% Elizabeth Dole 0.5%
Hispanic – Carol Moseley Braun 64% Elizabeth Dole 35%
Asian – Carol Moseley Braun 57% Elizabeth Dole 42%
Other – Carol Moseley Braun 65% Elizabeth Dole 34%

By gender
Male – Elizabeth Dole 52% Carol Moseley Braun 47%
Female – Carol Moseley Braun 55% Elizabeth Dole 44%

Five Closest States
Ohio – Carol Moseley Braun 49.8% Elizabeth Dole 49.5%
Nevada – Elizabeth Dole 50% Carol Moseley Braun 49%
Pennsylvania – Carol Moseley Braun 51% Elizabeth Dole 48%
New Hampshire – Carol Moseley Braun 51% Elizabeth Dole 48%
New Mexico – Elizabeth Dole 51% Carol Moseley Braun 48%

Five strongest Elizabeth Dole wins
Kansas – Elizabeth Dole 67% Carol Moseley Braun 32%
South Carolina – Elizabeth Dole 65% Carol Moseley Braun 34%
Louisiana – Elizabeth Dole 64% Carol Moseley Braun 35%
Texas – Elizabeth Dole 62% Carol Moseley Braun 37%
Wyoming – Elizabeth Dole 60% Carol Moseley Braun 38%

Five strongest Carol Moseley Braun wins
California – Carol Moseley Braun 71% Elizabeth Dole 28%
Massachusetts – Carol Moseley Braun 67% Elizabeth Dole 32%
Delaware – Carol Moseley Braun 65% Elizabeth Dole 34%
Rhode Island – Carol Moseley Braun 64% Elizabeth Dole 35%
Illinois – Carol Moseley Braun 61% Elizabeth Dole 38%

Most important issue
Economy 22%
Iraq 20%
Taxes 15%
Foreign Policy 10%
Education 9%
Health Care 7%
National Debt 6%
Trade 2%
Other 9%


Key events of the Braun administration, January 20, 2009 – January 1, 2011
- January 20, 2009 – Carol Moseley Braun and Tom Carper are sworn into the offices of President and Vice President respectively
- February 25, 2009 – House Speaker JC Watts announces he won’t seek re-election in 2010
- March 15, 2009 – President Braun signs into law the Energy Independence Act, doubling tax credits for the expansion of alternative energy business and investment
- June 15, 2009 – President Braun signs into law the Tax Relief & Stimulus Act of 2009, giving a 25% tax reduction on small business while also investing $50 billion in worker re-training and infrastructure improvements
- July 10, 2009 – Economists state the U.S. economy is in recession and has been since October 2008
- October 1, 2009 – Economists declare the economic recession over
- October 15, 2009 – House Speaker JC Watts launches his campaign for Governor of Oklahoma in 2010
- December 1, 2009 – President Braun signs into law the National Tenure Reform Act, mandating that schools receiving federal education aid increase the amount of time required before teacher’s could receive tenure
- January 27, 2010 – President Braun announces that after successfully negotiating an agreement between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds in Iraq in terms of who controls what land, the U.S. will be out of Iraq, with the exception of 10,000 residual forces, by December 1, 2010
- March 25, 2010 – President Braun signs into law The SCHIP Expansion Act, which gives states the necessary funds to set up health insurance pools for 100% of low income children presently lacking insurance
- May 21, 2010 – President Braun signs into law the Higher Standards Education Reform Act, increasing aid for special needs students while mandating that schools with a graduation rate of less than 80% are stripped of federal funds and the funding instead goes to parents to send their children a private institution
- July 27, 2010 – President Braun signs the Economic Development Act of 2010 into law, allowing for loan-assistance programs and tax credits to be given to companies which create American jobs
- October 5, 2010 – President Braun signs into law the Welfare Fraud Crackdown Act of 2010, creating a five-year mandatory prison sentence for those who defraud the federal government in collecting welfare payments
- December 17, 2010 – President Braun signs into law the End Drugs Now Act, doubling funding for drug prevention programs in schools and rehabilitation centers

January 12, 2011 - Bohener running for President
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LEBANON, OH – House Majority Leader John Boehner announced his entry into the 2012 Republican Presidential Primaries. “President Braun’s economic policies aren’t working for too many Americans. My fellow Republicans and I have fought hard for a broad-based tax reduction on capital gains, to strictly impose the spending caps we implemented a few years ago, and we have tried to reach out to this President  over the rising cost of health care. Americans want leadership which is willing to get things done” Boehner stated. First elected to the U.S. House in 1990, Boehner served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2004-2007 and has been the number two House Republican since 2009.

February 27, 2011 – Hutchison to seek GOP Presidential Nomination
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AUSTIN, TX – Former U.S. Vice President Kay Bailey Hutchsion announced her 2012 presidential bid. “Americans want leadership focused more on what’s right for the people of this country than on the politics of the day. As a Governor and Vice President, I fought to find solutions to the challenges those who elected me faced. Today, Americans are worried. They see energy prices continuing to rise even as wages barely keep pace with inflation. They see government spending more on health care, yet costs continue to skyrocket. They see a President announce a withdrawal date from Iraq, yet they see no plan to permanently secure peace in the region. What the people of this country want is experienced leadership ready to tackle the tough issues we face” Hutchison stated. Hutchsion was Governor of Texas from 1995-2005 and served as Vice President of the United States from 2005-2009.

February 15, 2011 – Pataki to run for President
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DOVER, NH – Former Governor of New York and 2004 Presidential Candidate George Pataki announced his second white house bid. “What I see today in Washington is too much rhetoric and not enough substance. In New York, we reduced taxes, took on a failing welfare system, and challenged the status-quo in education. These are the types of issues our President promised to tackle four years ago, she has failed. I won’t, and my record states that” Pataki stated. Pataki served as Governor of New York from 1995-2007 and was a 2004 Republican Presidential Candidate.

March 27, 2011 – Keyes running for President
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IOWA CITY, IA – Congressman Alan Keyes of Maryland announced he was seeking the 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination. “We conservatives need a champion for abolishing the income tax, outlawing abortion, protecting the public from activist judges, making sure we respect the rights of those who exercise the second amendment, and school choice must be a national priority to improve our education system” Keyes stated. Keyes served as a diplomat in the Reagan administration from 1985-1989 and was first elected to Congress representing a rural Maryland district in 2002, and was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

April 19, 2011 – Gramm to seek Presidency
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DALLAS, TX – Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Phil Gramm declared his intention to seek the Republican Presidential Nomination in 2012. “Our party needs a presidential nominee who will be committed to the economic policies of Tom Kean  and Ronald Reagan, and I intend to be that nominee” Gramm stated. Gramm was in the U.S. Senate from 1983-1998 before serving as Director of the Office of Budget & Management from 1999-2002 and as Secretary of Commerce from 2003-2005, both under President Tom Kean.