Print Page - 1992: Bush wins re-election

Election 1992
George Bush / Dan Quayle (R) 40% 295 EV
Bill Clinton / Al Gore (D) 38% 243 EV
Ross Perot / James Stockdale (I) 22%
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Key events of the George Bush Presidency, January 20, 1993 - January 1, 1995
- January 28, 1993 - President Bush implemented the North American Free Trade Agreement into law
- May 1, 1993 - President Bush vetoes a $200 billion Democratic tax increase
- August 27, 1993 - President Bush signs the largest medicaid expansion in U.S. history into law
- February 4, 1994 - President Bush and Democrats in Congress can't agree on a budget, shutting down the federal government for 2 days
- February 6, 1994- President Bush signs a budget into law which slashes $175 billion in spending over five years and freezes taxes while increasing local aid to education and medicaid payments
- May 2, 1994 - President Bush signed bi-partisian campaign finance reform into law, capping the amount candidates are allowed to receive from donors
- August 17, 1994 - President Bush signs into law a "Opportunity Tax Credit" into law, allowing businesses to deduct the cost of hiring employees off of social welfare for three years
- November 1, 1994 - Democrats make gains in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Democrats won two U.S. Senate seats in Florida and Washington while winning 12 house seats

January 2, 1995 - Gramm to seek GOP Presidential Nomination
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AUSTIN, TX - Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, often a rare Republican opponent of the Bush administration, announced his intention to seek the Republican Presidential Nomination in 1996. "Our party and our country are headed in the wrong direction. Since George Bush took office in 1989, our national debt has increased by 30%, spending has increased faster than inflation, taxes are up by $200 billion, and 2.7 million Americans fewer are working today than in 1989. Our party is about free markets and a stronger economy, not more government. Our country demands better jobs and more economic freedom" Gramm stated.

January 27, 1995 - Weld running for President
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BOSTON, MA - Governor William Weld of Massachusetts, a moderate Republican who won re-election in 1994 by just 10,000 votes, declared his intention to run for President in 1996. "I seek the Presidency of the United States because I believe we have unfinished business. Ronald Reagan showed us how to create jobs and end the cold war. George Bush showed us how to face international crisis and prevail. He has gotten us through a recession and into recovery. Now what? I think it's time we focus on the education crisis in America by raising standards, ending tenure, and promoting parental control" Weld stated.

February 4, 1995 - Florio in for '96
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JERSEY CITY, NJ - Governor of New Jersey Jim Florio, a controversial figure in his home state, announced that he would be a candidate for President in 1996. "I enter this presidential race because my values are your values. I don't apologize for opposing George Bush's economic policies and calling for a tax reform plan that gives tax relief to the middle class while asking the wealthy to pay their fair share. I don't apologize for my support for investing in our infrastructure and in putting people back to work through programs similar to the New Deal" Florio told supporters.

February 25, 1995 - Lieberman running for President
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MANCHESTER, NH - Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, a moderate in his party, announced he would run for President in 1996. "I want to be the President who finally balances the budget without raising taxes. I want to re-direct funds away from pet projects and waste in government and instead, we should ensure that social security and medicare are here to stay. I believe we have to embrace the notion that government shouldn't be big and intrusive, but that it should also meet it's obligations to taxpayers" Lieberman stated.

March 15, 1995 - Dukakis tries it again
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IOWA CITY, IA - Seven years after his failed white house bid, Former Governor of Massachussetts Michael Dukakis announced he would again seek the presidency in 1996. "George Bush hasn't been a responsible steward of your tax dollars. I will be. George Bush entered into NAFTA without negotiating for worker's rights. I'll fight for those rights. George Bush and Dan Quayle have given billions away in special interest loopholes. I'll close those loopholes. George Bush and Dan Quayle haven't lived up to the promises of 1988. I'll live up to the goals of 1996" Dukakis said.

Quote from: TimTurner on March 10, 2015, 10:43:05 PM

Dukakis and Weld could possibly win both of their parties' nominations.

That would be interesting!

March 24, 1995 - Republican Businessman running for President, takes on Bush/Quayle
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CLEVELAND, OH - Businessman Morry Taylor told an Ohio audience that he would seek the 1996 Republican Presidential Nomination. "The reason our national debt has skyrocketed, middle class wages have fallen, and so many manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas is because politicians like Dan Quayle have made our tax code too complicated, and this administration decided to pass a trade agreement which makes it cheaper for companies to ship our jobs overseas. If we want the year 2000 to start an era of opportunity, it's time to reverse course, and that's what brings me to this election" Taylor stated.

March 28, 1995 - Gore running in '96
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NASHVILLE, TN - Senator Al Gore of Tennessee, his party's Vice Presidential Nominee in 1992, announced his intention to mount a second presidential bid, having done so in 1988. "We Democrats believe in a balanced budget, welfare reform, tax cuts for working families, and gun control to protect our families. That's what this campaign will be about, and that's what the next four years should be dedicated to" Gore stated.

April 5, 1995 - Dole running for President
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RUSSELL, KS - Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole announced his intention to seek the 1996 Republican Presidential Nomination. "I'm running for President of the United States because I have the experience to lead, and the judgement to fight for what's right in America. George Bush and Ronald Reagan have been great Presidents, there is no doubt. The question for America is, will we move forward with an agenda that includes tax cuts, a balanced budget amendment, and the appointment of strict constructionist judges, or will we go back to the days of high inflation, high unemployment, and out of control government?" Dole asked to a cheering crowd in his hometown.

April 23, 1995 - Wilder to seek Democratic Presidential Nomination
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RICHMOND, VA - Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder declared his intention to seek the 1996 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Washington has failed to come together to help reduce urban crime, fix our broken tax code, they've failed to reduce our national debt, and they've failed to find a way to make sure social security and medicare is solvent for future generations. I say enough is enough, it's time for an outsider to come in, unite the nation, and get something done" Wilder stated.

May 1, 1995 - Quayle enters 1996 Republican Presidential Primary
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HUNTINGTON, IN - Vice President of the United States Dan Quayle announced his intention to run for President in 1996. "Today, I announce my intention to run for President of the United States. I do so understanding the challenges these times demand. The truth is, our economy is again creating jobs, our nation is safer today than it was in 1980, and our tax burden is the lowest it's been since world war one. But, we still face many challenges. Too many of our children are not reading at grade level. Too many families still are sending too much of their hard earned paychecks to the federal government. Welfare has deprived thousands of the ability to be upwardly mobile. Our values are under constant challenge" Quayle told an audience in his hometown.

June 7, 1995 - Poll: Race for President Wide Open
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Bush Approval
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 44%

GOP Nomination
Dan Quayle 25%
Bob Dole 23%
Phil Gramm 20%
William Weld 15%
Morry Taylor 12%
Other/Undecided 5%

Democratic Nomination
Al Gore 30%
Douglas Wilder 25%
Jim Florio 20%
Michael Dukakis 10%
Joe Lieberman 8%
Other/Undecided 7%

General Election Match-Ups

Al Gore 47%
Dan Quayle 46%

Al Gore 46%
Bob Dole 46%

Al Gore 46%
Phil Gramm 46%

Douglas Wilder 47%
Dan Quayle 44%

Douglas Wilder 46%
Bob Dole 45%

Douglas Wilder 46%
Phil Gramm 44%

Dan Quayle 45%
Jim Florio 45%

Bob Dole 47%
Jim Florio 45%

Phil Gramm 46
Jim Florio 45%

[b August 5, 1995 - Ames, IA Straw Poll - GOP Hopefuls make their case[/b]
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"I'm running for President because I have the experience to lead this country, the vision to move us forward, and I know what these times demand. I'm proud to have stood with President Reagan in passing his budgets which cut taxes and rebuilt our military. As Vice President, alongside George Bush, I have had the opportunity to preside over the first post-Cold War administration. We've opened our markets, cut taxes on small businesses, and we fought for conservative judges. But, our work is not yet done. We need to have long-term robust economic growth, keep the peace, and preserve our values. As President, I will fight to cut income taxes by 30% across the board and to eliminate taxes on capital gains. I'll be an advocate for open markets and minimal regulations. I'll also use the experience I've gained over the last seven years to make sure America is a leader in this world. I'll also fight to preserve our values - I will stand up and defend the pro-life position, and we will promote family in our society" - Dan Quayle

"The fact of the matter is, our party and our country have a choice. Under President Reagan, our party and our country embraced lower taxes, limited government, and a strong national defense. But, since Ronald Reagan left the white house, we've seen government spending increase faster than the rate of inflation, taxes have increased by 12% since 1988, and we experienced a recession which has reduced home ownership to the lowest levels in two decades. My friends, the truth is, when the time came to support the largest tax increase in a generation, Dan Quayle said yes, and Bob Dole voted yes. I went against my leadership and voted no. I now propose a 12% flat income tax and a 25% flat corporate tax because you deserve to keep more of what you earn. When it came time to expand medicaid instead of expanding health care savings accounts, which I proposed as an alternative, Dan Quayle said yes, and Bob Dole voted yes. I will fight for restraining the welfare state and instead, we will balance the federal budget by the end of my first term and we will make health care savings account the rule as opposed to the exception to the rule. When Bob Dole and the Democrats were debating how much to increase unemployment benefits by last year, I joined Newt Gingrich in fighting for welfare reform. The Democrats stopped us, but we will win in 1996 and reward work, not dependency on government. I'm running for President as a conservative, and I have a record to demonstrate to America that I mean what I say and say what I mean" - Phil Gramm

"My agenda for America is clear. Real welfare reform, reversing the tax increase of 1990, cutting marginal tax rates by 15%, balancing the budget by the year 2000, and increasing the number of police on America's streets to combat drug use and gang violence. In some circles, it's popular to be critical of the decisions George Bush has made, and the votes I've casted. But, the results are clear. 2.8 million new jobs since January of 1994, the deficit is down by 78%, and wages have risen by 2.7% - the largest increase in seven years, last quarter. I'm proud of my public service. This election is not going to be about George Bush, though certainly our President's policies will be a part of the conversation. Like Ronald Reagan, George Bush has dealt with major issues in his administration. Thanks to President Reagan's leadership, this President inherited a strong economy and is the first President in four decades not to have to deal with the Cold War. George Bush drove Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, oversaw the end of the communist party in the former Soviet Union, and his trade policies have made a real difference in helping us compete in an ever-changing economy. Today, Americans demand a President who has been tested and proven. I have been tested in war and proven and peace, and I'm not afraid to lead this country. It's time for us to transition into a peacetime economy, but to also remain on offense in a complicated and sometimes dangerous world. It's time for us to take on the epidemic that is drug use, especially amongst our young. It's time for America to rise up and be all that we know she can be, all she has been, and all we want her to be." - Bob Dole

"In Massachusetts, the most liberal state in this country, I was the first Governor literally in decades who didn't grow the size of state government. In fact, we have the same number of government employees today than we did in 1991, the first time in five decades government didn't grow. I'm also the first Governor in 70 years not to raise taxes and in fact, I vetoed $1.2 billion in tax increases over the last three years. At the same time, we found ways to invest in education, health care for our seniors and poor, and we passed the toughest anti-drug laws in the entire nation. Drug use is up 38% across America, but with stricter sentences and more funding for rehabilitation clinics, our state has seen a reduction in drug use by 15% since I took office. I think my leadership model works, and that's why I want to be President of the United States. Washington should impose strict spending caps, we shouldn't go to the American people asking for more of their hard earned dollars whenever we can't find money for a program, we need to freeze the growth of government, medicaid and education should be primarily local, and not federal responsibilities, and while we should try to help those trying to overcome addiction, those who sell illegal drugs should see mandatory sentencing guidelines much stricter than they are today. I don't see where this is unreasonable. Restrain spending, stop raising taxes, more local control, tough on crime - that's what the Republican Party should be about, and that is the basis for the next President's agenda. The fact is, most of my opponents have been part of the problem in Washington, I seek to be the solution" - William Weld

"Fellow citizens, the truth is the politicians are trying to fool you. 2.8 million jobs have been added, yes. But, since the implementation of NAFTA, the manufacturing sector has averaged job losses that are of historic proportions. The truth is, NAFTA and this administration's trade policies have sent 200,000 jobs overseas since last year alone. Furthermore, they talk about rising wages - wages are lower today than they were when George Bush and Dan Quayle took office. On top of that, federal spending has increased by 23%, the size of the federal workforce has grown by 15%, and rural communities across this country have fallen on hard times. I'm a businessman, I know how to create jobs. Washington needs to enforce trade agreements and matters of commerce, but they have to stop raising taxes and increasing regulations. I say we move to a flat tax and reverse all the regulations this congress has implemented on Americans. I say we reverse NAFTA and stop sending our jobs overseas. I say we stop allowing China to cheat on trade. I say we fight for American industry, American jobs, and for our workers!" - Morry Taylor

Quayle wins Ames, IA straw poll
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AMES, IA - Vice President Dan Quayle won the Ames, IA straw poll. Quayle won 1,274 votes compared with 1,017 for Phil Gramm, 997 for Bob Dole, 640 for William Weld, and 379 for Morry Taylor. "Experience counts, values count, that's the message of this great victory" Quayle told reporters.

September 15, 1995 - Democratic Presidential Hopefuls have different views on the future of their party, nation at South Carolina forum
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CHARLESTON, SC - At a forum hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party, the candidates vying for their party's presidential nomination each urged voters to support them for the purpose of moving the Democratic Party and the nation in one direction or another. Senator Al Gore, the 1992 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee with the most support amongst the party establishment, urged Democrats to vote for him for the sake of allowing congressional Democrats to get legislation passed. Gore urged the passage of a minimum wage hike, doubling the earned income tax credit, universal health insurance for every child, and welfare reform - an area where he differed from some of his opponents. Running to Gore's left, 1988 Democratic Presidential Nominee and Former Governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis urged Democrats to support a "common sense Democrat." Dukakis vowed to fight for universal health care coverage, the reversal of NAFTA, and a reversal of George Bush's tax increase if elected. When asked how 1996 would be different from 1988, Dukakis said that Democrats were more eager to defeat Dan Quayle than they were George Bush. Senator Joe Lieberman, a self-described "Kennedy Democrat" proposed a "broad agenda." Lieberman, who broke with his party in support of the Gulf War but was the leading advocate for campaign finance reform along with Senator John McCain (R-AZ), said his priorities would be a federal balanced budget amendment, a 15% across-the-board reduction in income tax paid for by closing corporate tax deductions, higher standards in education accompanied by more aid to poor and urban school districts, welfare reform, and means-testing social security and medicare. Lieberman defended the Bush administration's foreign policy, separating him from his opponents. Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder, considered by most to be a moderate, said his top three goals as President would be to restore cuts made to medicaid during the 1980s, universal health care access for veterans, and the enforcement of free trade agreements to make them fair. New Jersey's Governor, Jim Florio, challenged Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, and Douglas Wilder on their progressive credentials, labeling Gore as "a Republican in disguise" while attacking Lieberman and Wilder as trying to appeal to Republicans too much, citing their support for federal welfare reform. Florio touted his liberal record in New Jersey and called for stricter gun control laws, universal health care, and public financing of all federal elections.

December 15, 1995 - Pre-Primary Endorsements
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Dan Quayle
George Bush, President of the United States
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of New York City
Rick Santorum, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
Tom Ridge, Governor of Pennsylvania
J.C. Watts, Congressman from Oklahoma
Dick Armey, House Minority Whip
James Baker, U.S. Secretary of State 1989-1994
Dick Cheney, U.S. Secretary of Defense 1989-1993
Dick Lugar, U.S. Senator from Indiana
Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator from Iowa
Judd Gregg, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Robert Orr, Former Governor of Indiana

Bob Dole
Trent Lott, U.S. Senator from Mississippi
Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States 1974-1977
Howard Baker, Chief of Staff to President Reagan 1987-1988 and Former Senate Republican Leader
Pat Roberts, U.S. Senator from Kansas
Mike Hayden, Governor of Kansas 1987-1991
Strom Thurmond, U.S. Senator from South Carolina
Steve Merrill, Governor of New Hampshire

Phil Gramm
Newt Gingrich, House Miniority Leader
Jack Kemp, Secretary of HUD 1989-1993 and Former Congressman
Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Senator from Texas
John McCain, U.S. Senator from Arizona
Steve Forbes, Magazine Publisher
Peggy Noonan, Reagan speechwriter and commentator

William Weld
George Pataki, Governor of New York
Tommy Thompson, Governor of Wisconsin

Morry Taylor
Pat Buchanan, Former Nixon Adviser
Duncan Hunter, Congressman from California

Al Gore
Bill Clinton, Former Governor of Arkansas and 1992 Democratic Presidential Nominee
Dick Gephardt, House Speaker
Tom Daschle, U.S. Senate Minority Leader
Harry Reid, U.S. Senator from Nevada
George Mitchell, Former Senate Majority Leader
Walter Mondale, Vice President 1977-1981
Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator from Iowa
Howard Dean, Governor of Vermont

Joe Lieberman
Bob Kerrey, U.S. Senator from Nebraska
Chris Dodd, U.S. Senator from Connecticut
Jeanne Shaheen, Congresswoman from New Hampshire
Zell Miller, Governor of Georgia
Evan Bayh, Governor of Indiana
John Rowland, Governor of Connecticut
Ed Koch, Former Mayor of New York City

Jim Florio
Bill Bradley, U.S. Senator from New Jersey
Frank Pallone, Congressman from New Jersey
Ted Kennedy, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
Bernie Sanders, Congressman from Vermont
Brendan Byrne, Former Governor of New Jersey
Jerry Brown, Former Governor of California and Presidential Hopeful in 1976, 1980, and 1992

Michael Dukakis
Rev. Jesse Jackson
John Kerry, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts

December 20, 1995 - BREAKING: Quayle to resign Vice Presidency to focus on Presidential Bid
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WASHINGTON, DC - Vice President Dan Quayle announced that effective in 48 hours, he would resign the Vice Presidency to focus on his 1996 presidential bid. "For the last seven years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Vice President of the United States alongside a great American President. Under the leadership of George Bush, we drove a brutual dictator out of Kuwait, revived an economy once in recession, and passed landmark reforms in the areas of clean water and air, veterans health care, and trade enhancement. I'm proud to have played a role in this historic era. But, as everyone knows, I am seeking to succeed George Bush in the white house. While I seek the presidency, the current administration must be able to govern. So, today, I announce that I am resigning the Vice Presidency to focus on my campaign" Quayle stated. While Quayle supporters said he was putting the country's interest before his own in an effort to allow the Bush administration to function separately of a presidential campaign, critics charged that Quayle was simply pulling a P.R. stunt to distance himself from Bush, whose approval ratings were mixed.

December 22, 1995 - McCain takes over as Vice President
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WASHINGTON, DC - Senator John McCain (R-AZ) was sworn in as Vice President of the United States after the resignation of Dan Quayle. "I am honored and humbled that my friend President Bush would ask me to have such a great honor" McCain stated.

January 4, 1996 - Iowa Caucus: Gore defeats Gephardt, Dole upsets Quayle
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DES MOINES, IA - Senator Al Gore of Tennessee, considered the front-runner for his party's Presidential Nomination, won the Iowa Caucus handily, defeating Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder 40%-19% amongst caucus goers. Senate Miniority Leader Bob Dole defeated Former Vice President Dan Quayle narrowly, garnering 38% of the vote, compared with 36% for Quayle.

January 11, 1996 - New Hampshire Primary: Lieberman stuns the political world with independents voting for him, Quayle wins GOP contest

CONCORD, NH - Despite polls showing Al Gore winning New Hampshire's Democratic Presidential Primary, Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut prevailed. Lieberman, considered a long shot for his party's presidential nomination, courted moderates and independents in the weeks ahead of the primary. He defeated Michael Dukakis and Al Gore, winning 35% of the vote compared to 19% for Dukakis and 17% for Gore. On the GOP side, Dan Quayle beat Bob Dole 30%-27%, with Phil Gramm and William Weld in third and fourth respectively.

January 12, 1996 - Claiming momentum, Lieberman labels himself "the movement candidate"

LANSING, MI - Arguing that Americans are tired of partisanship, Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) told Michigan voters that he was "the movement candidate" as opposed to a "hyper-partisian hopeful." "We went to New Hampshire and brought a message of reform with us. We said that we will balance the budget, invest in education and infrastructure, fight for campaign finance reform, and we will cut taxes on working families" Lieberman said. "While George Bush and Dan Quayle have fought to protect corporate tax loopholes for special interests, our party has moved away from the John F. Kennedy era. Our party has called for billions in unfunded spending, we should be calling to restrain spending and pay down debt, not borrow from future generations to pay for today's projects" Lieberman said. Lieberman defended his party's progressive views on social issues, but argued that "big government liberalism is not only a losing message, it's an irresponsible message." "I will protect our existing entitlement programs, but I want to see us create jobs by supporting small business tax relief, investing in education" Lieberman declared.

January 14, 1996 - Florio calls for Lieberman to withdrawal and run as a Republican
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DETROIT, MI - Governor of New Jersey Jim Florio, Democratic Presidential Candidate, held a press conference in which he called for fellow candidate Senator Joe Lieberman to end his presidential bid and instead run as a Republican. "Joe Lieberman said he doesn't believe we should embrace an activist federal government. He opposes more funding for HUD, he opposes universal health care, and he sided with Republicans on NAFTA. He's now calling for tax cuts and deregulation as opposed to asking the rich to pay their fair share of taxes, he should man up and admit he's a Republican" Florio stated.

January 17, 1996 - Quayle, Dole question each other on electabillty, ideology
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GULFPORT, MS - Republican Presidential Hopeful Bob Dole slammed rival Dan Quayle as unelectable, while Quayle slammed Dole as both unelectable and too far to the political left. "Dan Quayle resigned as Vice President to focus on a presidential campaign, I think that's great for the Democratic Party. We need a nominee who can defend his or her record while also being able to show that they can not only campaign, but govern. I've led, and I'm not afraid to lead" Dole told supporters. "Bob Dole is desperate. In Washington, he's voted to give amnesty to illegal aliens, he opposed the Reagan tax cuts before changing his position, he has supported concessions on trade policy where the administration wouldn't, and he voted against tort reform on three different occassions - he's not only too liberal to be our nominee, while I've won two national elections as a vice presidential nominee, he was given the same opportunity in 1976 and lost" Quayle stated.

January 25, 1996 - Michigan: Quayle, Lieberman claim victory as Dukakis defies expectations and Weld ends presidential bid
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LANSING, MI - Republican Presidential Hopeful Dan Quayle won Michigan's GOP Primary by a comfortable margin, defeating opponents Bob Dole and Phil Gramm 37%-21%-19% respectively. William Weld, after placing last behind Businessman Morry Taylor, ended his 1996 presidential bid. On the Democratic side, Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) won a second suprise victory, with Michael Dukakis trailing Lieberman 30%-22%, a stronger showing than expected for the party's 1988 presidential nominee.

January 28, 1996 - Lieberman courts South Carolina Independents, argues for a "post-partisian Democratic Party
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CHARLESTON, SC - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), fresh off campaign victories in New Hampshire and Michigan, told South Carolina voters he would be a "new kind" of Democrat. Promising to cap the growth in federal spending to the rate of inflation in three years, reduce income taxes by 20% across-the-board, and pledging for further reforms to the campaign finance system, Lieberman said he felt Democrats needed a change as well as the country. "John F. Kennedy ran for President in 1960 as a Democrat who was proud to fight for social change and individual equality, but he also was an advocate for tax relief, fiscal restraint, and government that was effective and small. Today, I'm running for President to reform our campaign finance system, to protect equal pay for equal work, to balance our budget and cut taxes on middle and lower income Americans and small businesses" Lieberman stated. Unlike his opponents, Lieberman is reaching out to independents in his campaign. While Lieberman narrowly won a majority of Democrats in Michigan, his strong support with independents won him the primary. In New Hampshire, Lieberman lost Democrats to Al Gore by two percentage points, but defeated Gore with independents by seventeen points, winning him the primary. Lieberman, a known fiscal conservative, is best known for have leading two progressive causes: campaign finance reform and greater environmental regulation.

February 1, 1996 - Democratic establishment in panic mode
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WASHINGTON, DC - Members of the Democratic Party establishment viewed their party's presidential primary process as hurting the party's chances for victory in the fall. Establishment Democrats, almost exclusively united behind Al Gore's 1996 Presidential Campaign, have expressed doubts in Joe Lieberman's ability to represent the Democratic Party. Yet, they also feel other hopefuls can't win. "If you are in the Democratic Party's establishment, you see Joe Lieberman who is running a campaign which basically moved the Democratic Party closer to the Republicans on the role of government, and yet other than Al Gore and Lieberman, no one else can win" stated one Democratic donor. Frustrated that the Democratic Party has lost four straight presidential elections, Governor of Georgia Zell Miller said it was time for a change. "Carter, Mondale, and Dukakis ran on increasing taxes and the scope of the federal government. Bill Clinton lost because of his personal baggage, in Joe Lieberman we have a candidate who is fiscally responsible, and we have a candidate with the integrity to lead" Miller stated. The fear, according to sources close to Democratic Party leaders, is that Al Gore is the only candidate who balances out the Democrats desire to win, but who also represented the values of the party. Establishment donors, consultants, and leaders in the party view Lieberman as too conservative, yet see Gore's more liberal opponents as unable to win. They view Gore's poor showings in New Hampshire and Michigan as prolonging a primary they thought he would have easily won. Arthur Meyers, a Connecticut political consultant who ran Joe Lieberman's 1988 and 1994 U.S. Senate campaigns, said the establishment has it wrong. "Joe ran on campaign finance reform, the environment, and protecting a woman's right to choose - hardly views outside the mainstream of the Democratic Party. But, on some issues there is no question he is not with the party establishment. Democrats can trust Joe to protect a woman's right to choose, protect the environment, and end the special interest hold on Washington, but all voters can trust him to reduce taxes, balance the budget, and even work with the Republicans to reform the welfare system" Meyers stated.

February 5, 1996 - South Carolina Primary: Quayle dominates, Lieberman upsets Gore for third contest in a row
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CHARLESTON, SC - Dan Quayle defeated Phil Gramm and Bob Dole 30%-23%-19% respectively to win South Carolina's Presidential Primary. On the Democratic side, Joe Lieberman defeated Al Gore by less than 3,000 votes - each garnering 33% of the votes.

February 10, 1996 - President Bush appears at rally for Dan Quayle, 20,000 show up

CLEVELAND, OH - President George Bush made his first campaign appearance of the 1996 campaign season in Ohio on behalf of his first Vice President, Dan Quayle. The rally in downtown Cleveland attracted 20,000 people from across Ohio and neighboring states. "Friends, let me be very clear. Dan Quayle is ready to lead America into the new century" Bush stated. "I asked Dan Quayle to be my running-mate in 1988 because I saw an experienced, accomplished, and responsible young man and today, he's even more experienced and accomplished. Together, we presided over the collapse of the communist party, containing Saddam Hussein, and a growing economy - he's the right man to lead us in the next four years" Bush stated.

February 14, 1996 - Alaska, Louisiana, Delaware Primaries: Lieberman sweeps, Quayle and Dole split, Gramm withdrawals
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DOVER, DE - With all the votes in, Senator Joe Lieberman claimed victory in three more Democratic Primaries in Alaska, Louisiana, and Delaware. While Lieberman won decisively in Delaware and Alaska, his margin of victory over Al Gore was just 5,200 votes. On the Republican side, Dan Quayle won Alaska and Louisiana, but Bob Dole won Delaware. Citing poor fundraising, Phil Gramm ended his presidential bid.

February 17, 1996 - In week before Super Tuesday, two front-runners emerge
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ATLANTA, GA - Long considered the front-runner for his party’s 1996 Republican Presidential Nomination, Former Vice President Dan Quayle’s status was further solidified when one of his two major challengers ended his presidential campaign. Phil Gramm’s exit from the presidential race left Bob Dole as Quayle’s only major challenger. In the last quarter of 1995, Quayle raised $10.2 million, compared with just $6.1 million for Mr. Dole. Additionally, in the first poll conducted after Mr. Gramm’s withdrawal, Quayle’s lead over Bob Dole grew from 34%-26% to 41%-21%. On the Democratic side, there was more of a suprise. Though Tennessee Senator Al Gore was always the front-runner, polling data throughout the pre-primary season showed Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder and New Jersey Governor Jim Florio not far behind. After upsetting Gore in New Hampshire and South Carolina, Lieberman swept contests in Alaska, Louisiana, and Delaware. Running to “reform government and ensure prosperity,” Lieberman has become a bit of an odd front-runner. Exit polling showed that while Gore and Lieberman have been virtually tied with Democrats, it was the overwhelming support Lieberman has won from independents voting in the Democratic primary that has made him the front-runner. Sitting on top of national polls and with fundraising about equal to Al Gore, Joe Lieberman now enjoys front-runner status.

February 20, 1996 - Dole makes case to hometown audience
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RUSSELL, KS - Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole made his case to those who know him best. “I believe that the key to winning this election is experience, it’s discipline, and it’s the ability to reach out and win not only Republicans, but independence” Dole said. Promising a 15% across the board tax reduction, a balanced federal budget, welfare reform, and the appointment of conservative judges, Dole said the difference between him and opponent Dan Quayle was electability. “Dan Quayle resigned as Vice President before finishing the job, I have run for Vice President and President while serving in the U.S. Senate. I have been in this job for three decades and don’t need any training as to the public policy issues facing America” Dole stated. “I have fought for conservative values, but I’ve also fought for legislation and won where I needed the support of Democrats, I know how to reach out to others. My friend Dan Quayle has not done that” he added.

February 24, 1996 - Quayle sweeps Super Tuesday contests, Dole wins Kansas & Nebraska, Gore and Lieberman claim victories, Florio & Taylor concedes defeat
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WASHINGTON, DC - Of the fourteen states that voted in presidential primaries, Former Vice President Dan Quayle claimed victory in 12. Quayle secured victories in New York, New Jersey, Maine, Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Mississippi, Idaho, and North Dakota. Quayle’s main opponent, Bob Dole, won victories in his home state of Kansas and neighboring Nebraska. On the Democratic side, Senator Joe Lieberman secured victory in seven contests, while Al Gore won five contests and Jim Florio won one. Lieberman won Ohio, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and New York as Mr. Gore claimed wins in Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Kansas, and Nebraska. Jim Florio won his home state of New Jersey and ended his presidential campaign. Both Florio and GOP Presidential Hopeful Morry Taylor ended their presidential bids.

March 1, 1996 - Wisconsin, Maryland, and Hawaii vote: Quayle dominates, Gore and Lieberman share victories, Dukakis withdrawals
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MILWAUKEE, WI - Republican Presidential Candidate Dan Quayle defeated Bob Dole by double digits in GOP primaries in Wisconsin, Maryland, and Hawaii. On the Democratic side, Senator Joe Lieberman defeated Senator Al Gore in Wisconsin and Maryland, while Mr. Gore secured victory in Hawaii. Michael Dukakis ended his 1996 presidential campaign.

March 2, 1996 - Bob Dole concedes defeat, pledges to support Dan Quayle
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"Moments ago, I spoke with Vice President Quayle and offered him my concession. I wished him well and pledged to do everything I can to make sure he's the next President of the United States. During the course of this campaign, we advanced much of the Republican agenda in the United States Senate. Though I end my presidential campaign, I will go back to Washington determined to fight for tax cuts, a balanced budget, and welfare reform. These are the things we ran on, and I'll continue to fight for them as the Republican leader in the United States Senate" - Bob Dole conceding defeat

Dan Quayle secures Republican Presidential Nomination
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"Tonight, my fellow citizens, I can claim that I will be the nominee of the Republican Party for President of the United States. I want to first begin by thanking my family and campaign team for their guidance and support. I want to thank Senator Bob Dole, Senator Phil Gramm, and all of the other candidates for taking the time to fight for our country. I want to thank the American people for twice electing me to the second highest office in the land, and a special thanks goes to George Bush for asking me to join him. President Bush has been a great President. Over the last eight years, we have continued the progress of the Reagan era. We've opened up new markets, built stronger alliances across the globe, fought corruption in our nation's capitol, reduced taxes, and given more authority to local officials in the area of education. But, more work needs to be done. Today, Americans are over taxed, welfare has become a way of life for too many, values are being trampled, and our world is becoming increasingly complex. These times demand an experienced, proven leader who can get things done. During the course of this campaign, I've told you exactly how I intend to lead, exactly where I stand, and exactly what a Quayle presidency would look like. I will reduce income taxes by 30% and eliminate the capital gains tax, fight for conservative judges and the pro-life position, I'll work to overhaul our nation's welfare system, we'll increase parental choice in education, and we will ensure this world has strong, consistent American leadership. My friends, standing up for the free market, defending our values, and ensuring global stability is the obligation of the next President. Senator Gore and Senator Lieberman have missed the memo. Leadership is about fighting for what's right, not what polls tell you to do. They believe it's right for activist judges to interpret the constitution as they go along. They believe it's right to increase taxes on American business. They believe it's right to have a larger federal Department of Education. In Al Gore's case, he believes that ensuring our military is well equipped and well funded is fiscally irresponsible. That's really basically what he has said. We have a choice in this election, a choice between moving forward or going back to the Carter era, an era in which we saw massive inflation, higher unemployment, and a world in crisis. We need to be forward looking, we need to protect the values we hold dear, and we need to ensure America remains as great as she can be, and always has been" - Dan Quayle, victory after securing the 1996 GOP Presidential Nomination

March 5, 1996 - Lieberman wins California Democratic Presidential Primary
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SACRAMENTO, CA - In yet another upset victory, Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) defeated Senator Al Gore (D-TN) to win California's Democratic Presidential Primary. Lieberman garnered 53% of the vote, ahead of Gore's 45%.

March 7, 1996 - Ahead of trio of primaries, Gore and Lieberman bring different plans, visions for the Democratic Party and the nation
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"My entire life has been dedicated to social justice and fighting for responsible economic policies. As a young man, I marched for Civil Rights with Dr. Martin Luther King and was a young attorney who took on corruption in local government. As a state Attorney General, I fought corporate polluters and defended a woman's right to choose. In the U.S. Senate, I passed campaign finance reform, and broke with my party to support tax relief for small businesses and opening up our markets to foreign goods in passing NAFTA. I'm not here tonight seeking the presidency as a Democrat, I am running as a Democrat because I want our party to succeed, but I'm running for President to always put our country before anyone's politics" - Joe Lieberman

"My friend Joe Lieberman has done a lot to fight for reforms to the campaign finance system and I credit him with passing sweeping reform. But, there are some differences in this campaign. On tax cuts, education, and military spending, the differences between Dan Quayle and Joe Lieberman are virtually non-existent. I will always protect our country and I voted with Joe and very few Democrats to drive Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. But, I voted against a 17% increase in our defense budget, paid for primarily through borrowing. Joe voted for that massive increase that was partially unfunded. On education, I believe in merit pay for teachers and funding for smaller class sizes. Joe has voiced his support of Dan Quayle's vision to basically privatize our education system in America. Finally, tax cuts. I have supported $200 billion in tax relief to benefit the working poor, Joe has proposed $750 billion in tax cuts, and he has not shown how he will pay for it" - Al Gore

"Four years ago, Al Gore had his moment to prove that he represented a new direction in the Democratic Party. Americans didn't buy it. I represent a new direction for the Democratic Party, but it's based on the vision espoused by John F. Kennedy in the 1960 election. I believe our country should invest in those priorities necessary to future economic growth. I'll fight for new investments in our infrastructure and in education. But, I'm also a staunch fiscal conservative. Al says my tax cut plan is $750 billion - that's false. My tax cut plan will cost $500 billion over the next six years, and 98% of it is paid for by closing 17 very specific corporate tax loopholes that exist in the code, the other 2% is through existing tax reductions congress passed already. The truth is, I have proposed a revenue-neutral tax cut, $100 billion in new spending over the next six years, and I have identified two revenue streams - $50 billion in spending reductions and projected revenue growth of $50 billion, to pay for new programs" - Joe Lieberman

"My vision for the Democratic Party and the country has been made clear during the course of this campaign. Democrats need to again fight for working families and reward work in the United States. I've said I'll raise the minimum wage, increase the earned income tax credit, fight to cover every child in America with health insurance, and reform welfare on a bi-partisan basis as President. For the last eight years, we have done a lot of investing in the wealthiest in our society. Our country now needs to invest in the working poor and working families who are struggling to pay the bills each and everyday" - Al Gore

"The Democratic Party must recognize that while government can play a role in promoting our values, it's role should be strictly limited to matters of justice and only regulating those things necessary to protecting the rights of each individual. But to be honest, my message is one that has attracted the support not only of millions of Democrats, but Republicans and independents as well. I'm a proud social progressive - I believe in a woman's right to choose and strengthening civil rights legislation. But, I'm closer to the political center fiscally. Yes, I think we need to aggressively pursue goals I've mentioned here tonight, but any item we spend money on needs to be paid for, and we must realize that government is not the answer to everything" - Joe Lieberman

"In the United States Senate, I'm proud to have sponsored bi-partisan legislation enacting the North American Free Trade Agreement which President Bush signed into law. Joe and I both agree on this issue. In fact, we agree with Dan Quayle on this issue, but Dan Quayle still has a very different view on many issues to me. Dan Quayle is running on the idea that a massive tax cut will automatically help the economic recovery continue. I disagree, I think the way to continue this economic recovery is to invest in our workforce in the ways I described tonight. I'm also supportive of opening up our markets and I will appoint a commission to study the effects of meaningful corporate tax reform similar to the reforms of 1986 which this administration has undone without congressional approval. The biggest difference between Dan Quayle and I is on education. I support smaller class sizes and merit pay, he has said he would eliminate the Department of Education and privatize our education system through a voucher program" - Al Gore

"There are two major areas of disagreement between myself and Dan Quayle. The first comes on campaign finance reform. With John McCain, I fought for the first major contribution caps and finance disclosure documents in our nation's history. Our work is not finished, we must now move towards longer waiting periods between contributions and a public financing option for candidates. George Bush signed McCain-Lieberman into law, Dan Quayle says he'd reverse it. The next is on economic policy. I voted for the Bush tax cuts, but the truth is this administration also has increased our national debt by 37% after promising to reduce the debt by a third. I will stop borrowing to pay for new spending, and my tax cut is 100% paid for, whereas Dan Quayle's is not" - Joe Lieberman

March 12, 1996 - Quayle: I'll run against Gore or Lieberman on the role of the federal government
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Asked how he would transfer from the presidential primary to the general election, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle said he would run against either of the Democratic candidates on the role of the federal government. "My opponents believe the federal government is here to have a major role in education, the environment, and economic policy. I believe that less should be done by the federal government; we should tax less, regulate less, and sue less" Quayle stated. "Senator Lieberman and Senator Gore have both opposed health care lawsuit reform, comprehensive tort reform, and now they defend the Department of Education, it's a very different approach to governing than the views I have" Quayle added.

March 14, 1996 - Lieberman wins home state of Connecticut, Washington, and Texas
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AUSTIN, TX - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) defeated Senator Al Gore (D-TN) in three presidential primaries. Lieberman won his home state of Connecticut, 79%-19%, Washington 58%-41%, and Texas 51%-48%.

March 21, 1996 - With wins in Colorado, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, Lieberman wins majority of delegates, is declared Democratic Presidential Nominee
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - With 1,235 delegates, Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) won above the required 1,229 delegates to become the Democratic Nominee for President. Lieberman is well ahead of Al Gore, who has just 417 delegates.

Joe Lieberman clinches Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"Our victory tonight is a testament to the grassroots in American politics. I am so grateful to the broad coalition of support we have had across this country. I am thankful to my loving family, all of my friends, the people of Connecticut, my first class campaign team, and all the volunteers who have made this moment possible. Earlier, I spoke with my friend Al Gore and thanked him for running a spirited campaign. I told him we would work together not only to win this election, but to get this country back on the track to economic growth and greater social justice. This nomination means that there is a great change in American politics. During the first three quarters of this campaign, our fundraising and support was lagging. But, message triumphs money - we brought our message of economic growth, fiscal responsibility, government reform, and social justice across the country, and tonight we are proof that a message means more than support from the political establishment. Our campaign will continue to be about the issues we all care about. Dan Quayle, my opponent, will make the case that he's for limited government and lower taxes. The size of government has increased dramatically under his leadership, taxes have gone up, and the welfare state has grown. Our goals are clear. We seek a balanced budget, reducing taxes, reforming welfare, and paying for our priorities - we will again invest in education, our crumbling roads, and in workforce training programs. This is a pro-growth agenda, an agenda to strengthen the middle class, do what's best for our kids, and it's a responsible, realistic agenda. I also joined this campaign as a crusader for reform. I'm proud to have written the bill to place the first ever campaign donation limits and require reporting of all political campaign funding transactions. McCain-Lieberman has made a difference, but we need to have a public finance option for all elections, and we must have full disclosure of lobbying efforts in our nation's capitol. My opponent wants to repeal McCain-Lieberman and he opposes full disclosure of all lobbying activities. We also seek to protect a woman's right to choose and to strengthen hate crimes legislation, my opponent has opposed both efforts. On foreign policy, some say there isn't a difference between Dan Quayle and I. There is. My opponent believes the United States should ignore genocide in Kosovo, I couldn't disagree more. Our military must remain the strongest in the world, and America must always be a leader for both our security and stability in the world. I don't advocate being the world's police, but I do believe we have a leadership role to play in this world. My presidency will be dedicated to the idea that America is an exceptional country, but that we need to do some things to give government back to the American people. Together, I know we will work together to do the people's work" - Sen. Joe Lieberman, victory speech

Al Gore concedes defeat
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"Earlier, Senator Lieberman and I spoke about the future of the Democratic Party and our country. Both of us are confident our party will win this November, and we are confident that we will work together to advance the values we both hold dear. I wish Senator Lieberman all the best, and I look forward to helping him become the next President of the United States. His victory is a historic moment in our country. His election will be historic, and his presidency will be. I want to be a part of helping our party, but more importantly our country, prosper during the Lieberman presidency, and I am committed to working with him" - Al Gore, conceding the Democratic Presidential Nomination

June 15, 1996 - Foreign policy affects nation, presidential race
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WASHINGTON, DC - After months of a presidential campaign focused on domestic issues, foreign policy took center stage after President George Bush and Defense Secretary Richard Perle announced that Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein kicked UN weapons inspectors out of Iraq. The President called for congress to approve sanctions against Iraq, and he called on the U.N. to do the same. Both Republican and Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Dan Quayle and Joe Lieberman agreed with the President. What differed, however, was the kind of sanctions each candidate supported. Lieberman has voiced support for tough economic sanctions against Iraq using U.N. authority, while Quayle supports banning U.S. investments in countries that do business with Iraq.

July 17, 1996 - Lieberman picks Gephardt for Vice President
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RICHMOND, VA - Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman announced that House Speaker Dick Gephardt of Missouri would be his running-mate in the 1996 election. "Dick Gephardt is a proven leader who can work with people to achieve results for all Americans" Lieberman said of Gephardt. Gephardt has been a member of Congress since 1977 and has served as Speaker of the House of Representatives since 1993, when Former House Speaker Tom Foley retired due to Democrats having their worst election year in decades. Gephardt is credited with helping Democrats win their largest majority in twelve years in 1994. While critics charge Gephardt is a Washington insider, supporters say Gephardt brings regional diversity to the ticket and can help Lieberman win more liberal Democrats who have doubts about him.

July 28, 1996 - Quayle picks Thompson as running-mate
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MILWAULKEE, WI - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle selected Governor of Wisconsin Tommy Thompson as his running-mate in the 1996 presidential election. "Tommy Thompson has political courage, he has the ability to govern, and he is someone I trust to be Vice President of the United States" Quayle said of Thompson. Thompson has served as Governor of Wisconsin for the last nine years, were he spearheaded efforts to reform the state's welfare system, which served as inspiration for a Republican-backed bill to do the same at the federal level. While critics charge that Thompson is "too cozy with lobbyists", supporters say Quayle picked someone with experiencing winning as a Republican in a Democratic state.

August 16, 1996 - Governor Tommy Thompson accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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“This election offers Americans a clear choice. It also offers the American people a chance. That chance is to continue to prosper, but to also restore the values that have endured our country. Our country was founded on the notion that every man, woman, and child should have the opportunity to pursue their own happiness free of the hand of big government. Our founders explicitly outlined the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In many ways, this election is a referendum on their vision. Dan Quayle and I believe that the federal government has too much control over your tax dollars, the education of your children, and over decisions best left to states and more often than not, you. We believe the federal government is here to protect life - that’s why we will support our troops, contain Saddam Hussein, and ensure the world is more peaceful by ensuring strong American leadership. We also believe that it’s time to end the brutal practice of partial-birth abortions, and we know it’s time to reverse Roe Vs. Wade. The federal government is not here to teach your children, which is why we want to eliminate the Department of Education. Washington D.C. isn’t supposed to pick winners and losers, which is why we propose giving tax relief to not just some taxpayers, but to every taxpayer. We also believe that welfare is not supposed to be a way of life, so we will pass welfare reform that rewards work and discourages dependency. Our opponents vision is different. They believe the federal government should have involvement in health care, education, and even trade. For yet another election, the liberal Democrats are promoting the greatness of the federal government - we respond by promoting the greatness of ordinary Americans” - Tommy Thompson, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

August 17, 1996 - Former Vice President Dan Quayle accepts Republican Presidential Nomination
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"I'm running for President because I have the experience to lead, and I'm running for President to continue down the path to peace and prosperity. My fellow citizens, under Presidents Reagan and Bush, America has continued to reach higher. Since 1981, we have seen the creation of 24 million new jobs, our tax burden has remained at it's lowest level since the 1920s, we have seen the collapse of communism, and we've opened up our markets to foreign goods. These are great accomplishments, but we also must confront the challenges of our time. Today, we are seeing a decline in our culture. Values like honesty and integrity, especially in government, are under assault. Violence still plagues many of our communities. Bureaucrats seek greater control of our lives. To confront these challenges, we must work together to have tough three-strike sentencing laws and end parole for violent offenders to reclaim our communities. We must work together to reverse Roe Vs. Wade and pass a constitutional amendment protecting human life in an effort to reclaim our values liberal activist judges have sought to deny us. We must work together to abolish the Federal Department of Education to allow parents to raise their children, not federal bureaucrats. We must work together to reduce taxes on everyone who pays taxes because the future of our economy relies on a nation where investment, savings, and production are not penalized. Each President has a purpose. For Abe Lincoln, it was rights for all. For Teddy Roosevelt, it was restoring the great outdoors for future generations. For John F. Kennedy, it was getting a man on the moon. For Ronald Reagan and George Bush, it has been keeping our country safe. For me, restoring the values that have endured us since the beginning of time will be my purpose. My opponent and his allies believe that Washington D.C. is a place where dreams are invented, I know that families is where dreams are invented, and I will use my experience and political capital to fight for all families across this great land to restore our values" - Dan Quayle, Republican Presidential Nominee

August 27, 1996 - House Speaker Dick Gephardt accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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“The differences in this election could not be more clear. Joe Lieberman and I have embraced an agenda of restoring the American dream and fundamentally reforming government. Our opponents have embraced an extreme agenda based on pure ideology. Joe Lieberman and I both have records of working across the aisle. Joe worked with John McCain to pass sweeping campaign finance reform, and I proudly worked with Newt Gingrich and President Bush in passing tax relief for 80% of American businesses. Those are just two examples. But, let’s look at the record and the vision here for a moment. Joe Lieberman and John McCain won praise from President Bush for their work on campaign finance reform. The President said this law, which he signed, would give power back to individuals during our election cycles. Dan Quayle at the time said he supported the law, but has since changed his position. He told lobbyists in Washington D.C. he’d fight to repeal McCain-Lieberman. Then, you have the medicaid expansion. President Bush worked with both parties to block-grant federal dollars to states for the purpose of helping to enroll over 5 million Americans who made too much to qualify for medicaid, but too little to afford a private health care plan, in a health care plan where the federal government, states, and private insurers could come together and help lower the cost of care. The plan has worked, yet Dan Quayle now calls it one of the biggest mistakes of his tenure as Vice President. Dan Quayle is going across this nation and telling people that he wants to cut taxes and to little else. He opposes bi-partisan legislation on health policy and campaign finance reform. Joe Lieberman and I won’t play politics with the lives of ordinary Americans. Joe Lieberman and I have disagreed with President Bush on more things than not. Yet, we have put aside our differences and worked with this President to get things done. That is a credit to the President, but also to the willingness of our party to put country first. It is in that spirit, that can-do spirit, that Joe Lieberman and I ask for your support” - Dick Gephardt, Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee

August 28, 1996 - Senator Joe Lieberman accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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"When we began this campaign, we had little besides our ideas. Today, I stand before you here today, determined more than ever to fight to reform government and restore the American dream for everyone. For my entire adult life, I have stood up for what I believed to be right. I am proud to have marched with Dr. King and to be a part of a generation that helped end the brutal bigotry that plagued human history. Three decades later, I stand before you here today as the first Jewish American to be nominated by a major party for President. I am a person of faith, faith guides me. But, I understand that my responsibility as President will be to fight for all Americans. I want to help all Americans realize the American dream. I have put forth specific proposals to help grow our economy and ensure social justice for all Americans. For the last 16 years, it is no secret our party has been in the political wilderness. Now is our moment to show all Americans we are fighting for common goals, that we are in touch with all Americans, and that we are concerned with the issues facing all Americans. I believe in order to realize the American dream, we need to have a society where employment is maximized and dependency is minimized. I have a clear vision of where I want to lead this country. If elected President, I will put forth a series of budgets that seek to reduce taxes in a revenue-neutral way, make $50 billion in investments in education, health care for poor children, in our roads and bridges, and in worker retraining programs. I will also continue to invest in our military. But, we will balance the federal budget every year, and we will reduce the size of the federal government by 15% over the next five years. We will also reform government. I am proud to have worked with John McCain to place limits on political campaign contributions. I now believe it is time to have a public finance option for all federal elections. Now is the time to fight for banning lobbyists from being on the floor of congress. Now is the time for Americans to fight to rein in the power of the federal government and return power to the American people” - Joe Lieberman, Democratic Presidential Nominee

October 2, 1996 - Lieberman, Quayle debate domestic issues
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"My opponent and I have a fundamental difference in philosophy. He believes the federal government should make decisions over education, health care, and that judges should decide what our values and laws ought to be. I disagree, I believe in limited government, the right to life, and that we should abolish the Department of Education and cut your taxes to help you grow this economy" - Dan Quayle

"This election offers Americans a very clear choice. The Vice President wants you to believe your choice is between a big government liberal and a strong conservative who will protect our values. That does not accurately characterize what this election is about. This election is about empowering Americans to strive for their full potential - it's about restoring the American dream and reforming government. To do so, I have put forth a plan that reduces taxes by 15% gradually, balances the federal budget, changes our campaign finance system even more than it's been changed under McCain/Lieberman, and I'll invest in health care for the poorest children, education, worker re-training programs, and our roads. We can do these things, pay down our national debt, and still protect social security and medicare. It requires fundamentally reforming government by slowing it's growth and cutting waste and inefficiency" - Joe Lieberman

"I have said that my presidency will be focused on restoring the values that have helped this country flourish to the institutions of government and to our public policies. Our country was founded on the idea that every life is sacred, and I will be the President who bans the practice of partial-birth abortion. I will appoint judges who interrupt the constitution of the United States and don't write law. Senator Lieberman has a 95% pro-abortion voting record and has voted against at least 23 George Bush judicial appointees. On taxes, there is also a difference - my plan would effectively cut taxes on the average American by roughly $1,800 - my opponent's plan would only cut their taxes by roughly $900. My opponent also voted for the 1993 and 1994 Democratic budgets which increased taxes by $250 billion. Senator Lieberman also believes the federal government should be involved in education, I want to abolish the Department of Education and send the money back to parents as school vouchers. I do accurately characterize what this election is about" - Dan Quayle

"Leadership is about doing what's right even when it's not easy. I'm a proud Democrat and am proud to have stood with my running-mate and the leadership of my party on protecting a woman's right to choose, supporting an expansion in health care benefits for millions of lower-income Americans, standing up for clean water and air, voting to raise the minimum wage, and opposing George Bush's 1993 and 1994 budgets which kept funding for worker re-training programs and education virtually flat. But, I have also taken on my own party and did what I felt was best. I was one of just ten senate Democrats who supported George Bush in Kuwait, one of seven who supported NAFTA, one of eight who supported a balanced budget amendment, and the only one who supported the President's 1995 budget because I was assured it did make investments in our military and education" - Joe Lieberman

October 10, 1996 - In Vice Presidential Debate, Gephardt runs to the center as Thompson attacks Liberman, Gephardt as "big government liberals"
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CLEVELAND, OH - In their only debate, Vice Presidential Candidates Dick Gephardt (D) and Tommy Thompson (R) debated a variety of issues while attacking each other's tickets. Gephardt, emphasizing the Lieberman economic plan to reduce taxes and invest in worker re-training programs, said he and Joe Lieberman were "bi-partisian reformers" who would work to reach across the aisle on issues ranging from education to campaign finance reform. Calling Lieberman and Gephardt "big government liberals," Tommy Thompson attacked Gephardt for his votes against NAFTA and welfare reform, and said that he and Dan Quayle were the candidates who believed in state's rights, tax cuts, and the elimination of the Federal Department of Education.

October 15, 1996 - Lieberman, Quayle debate foreign policy, both cite experience and toughness
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - In their second presidential debate, Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle and Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman debated foreign policy. Each candidate cited their experience; Lieberman his years in the U.S. Senate, and Quayle as a U.S. Senator and Vice President. While both agreed that President George Bush had been a strong leader on foreign policy and that he made the right policy decisions, they had a different view of U.S. military spending going forward. For his part, Dan Quayle said he'd increase the size of the U.S. military by 50,000 over an eight year period. Lieberman said key was investing in human intelligence. On the situation in Iraq, both refused to rule out the use of force, and Lieberman went as far as to say that the U.S. must call for regime change.

October 27, 1996 - Lieberman, Quayle make their final cases in third presidential debate
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"My fellow Americans, tonight I am asking for your vote in this election. To me, this presidential race is not about money or who the special interests support. It's about reclaiming the American dream and fundamentally reforming government. I believe, just as John F. Kennedy did, that government should be limited and effective. My opponent wants you to believe I'm a big government liberal. I'm not. In fact, he voted for more new spending as a U.S. Senator than I did. I broke with my party and supported this President's tax cuts, welfare reform, and a balanced budget amendment. I have put forward a plan to reduce taxes, invest in worker re-training programs, provide health care for the poorest children in America, increase aid to states in the areas of education and infrastructure, and we will still balance the budget and begin to pay down the national debt. At the same time, I will fight to ban lobbyists from the floor of congress and for public financing of all federal elections. Additionally, these times demand leadership in the world to ensure that our security interests, and the interests of freedom loving people everywhere, are protected. I ask for your vote because it's time for us to show the world that America is again read for great things" - Joe Lieberman

"This election offers Americans a choice. My opponent has proposed $500 billion in new federal spending over the next decade. He claims he can pay for it and pay down our debt while cutting your taxes, it just isn't so. He's going to either increase your taxes or increase borrowing. Joe Lieberman's voting record is clear: he has voted for $700 billion in new federal spending since he was sworn into the U.S. Senate in 1989. My record is very different. I voted for President Reagan's agenda that cut taxes and rebuilt our military. As Vice President, I stood with George Bush as we signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, drove Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, and implemented the broadest free trade agreement in our nations history. Today, I stand before you, ready to be President of the United States. My purpose is to return power to states and the American people by eliminating the Federal Department of Education, cutting your taxes, and block-granting funding for AMTRAK, the EPA, and health care. I also want to be the President who finally bans the brutal practice of partial-birth abortion. The pro-life position is one I have held throughout not only my entire career in politics, but my entire life. This nation needs to reclaim the moral high ground, and protecting human life is the first step. My fellow citizens, for a third time, I am asking for your support as I seek a leadership position in the executive branch" - Dan Quayle

Election 1996 - Lieberman wins Historic Victory to become first Jewish American President

Joe Lieberman / Dick Gephardt (D) 53% 308 EV
Dan Quayle / Tommy Thompson (R) 46% 230 EV
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January 20, 1997 - January 1, 1999 - Key events of President Lieberman's administration
-March 1, 1997: President Lieberman signs into law bipartisan welfare reform
-June 15, 1997 - Joe Lieberman signs into law a constitutional balanced budget amendment
-September 5, 1997 - President Lieberman asks congress for the authority for the use of force against Saddam Hussein in Iraq after Hussein continued to defy U.N. Weapons Inspectors
-November 1, 1997 - All but 20 House Republicans and 10 House Democrats, in addition to 7 Senate Republicans and 5 Senate Democrats, vote to give President Lieberman the authority for the use of force against Saddam Hussein in Iraq
-December 10, 1997 - President Lieberman signs into law the entirety of his 15% phased-in tax cut, in addition to a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 28%, paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes
-February 2, 1998 - President Lieberman announces he will sign an executive order allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the U.S. military
-April 15, 1998 - President Lieberman signs a Democratic-backed bill increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.50 to $8.25
-June 1, 1998 - President Lieberman vetoes a Democratic-backed farm bill which increased farm subsidies from $40 billion to $55 billion annually
-September 4, 1998 - President Lieberman signs into law the Lobbying Reform Act of 1998, banning lobbyists from the floor of congress
-November 25, 1998 - President Lieberman signs into law tax credits for R&D investments in alternative sources of energy

January 15, 1999 - Bond to make presidential run
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Senator Kit Bond of Missouri became the first Republican to formally enter the presidential primary process for the 2000 election. Bond told supporters that, "I am running for President because this administration has undermined our values with liberal judicial nominees, and they've played politics with our national security as it pertains to Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Bond, a consistent opponent of the Lieberman administration, seeks to appeal to social conservatives. He has spent 12 years in the U.S. Senate.

February 1, 1999 - George Pataki running for President
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York George Pataki ended months of speculation as to his role in the 2000 election by declaring he would run for President. "I believe our party and our country deserve a presidential candidate who has a record of leading, not just talking" Pataki said. While socially moderate, Pataki said he would make a 12% flat tax, expanding free trade, and paying down the national debt by reforming social security & medicare key elements in his campaign. Pataki is considered by pundits to be the front-runner for the 2000 GOP nomination, given his support from the party establishment and ability to win independents.

February 25, 1999 - Allen to run for President
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RICHMOND, VA - Former Governor of Virginia George Allen declared he would run for President in 2000. Allen told supporters he was the best candidate to win. "My agenda for this country is based on my experience as Governor. I cut taxes as Governor, I'll cut taxes as President. I increased choice in education as Governor, I'll do the same as President. I fought for welfare reform as Governor, I'll strengthen federal welfare reform as President" Allen said. Allen, who had served as Governor of Virginia from 1994-1998, is considered by many analysts to be a leading candidate for President.

March 5, 1999 - Quayle makes surprise announcement, will run for President again
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HUNTINGTON, IN - Former Vice President Dan Quayle, the 1996 Republican nominee for President, surprised the political world by announcing he would again seek the Republican Presidential Nomination in 2000. "Republicans deserve a choice in this primary, and Americans deserve a voice for traditional values and returning power to the American people" Quayle told supporters. While Quayle did talk about similar themes to his 1996 bid, he pledged to make outreach to independent voters and minorities who traditionally support Democrats a key element of his second presidential bid.

April 15, 1999 - Watts to seek presidency
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CHARLESTON, SC - Rep. JC Watts (R-OK) declared his intention to run for President of the United States. "I believe in the power of free markets, free people, and of protecting every human life, and today we need a leader who clearly adheres to those principles in foreign and domestic policy" Watts said. Watts has served in Congress since 1995 and is a popular figure amongst conservatives.

May 1, 1999 - McCain running for President
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DOVER, NH - Former U.S. Vice President John McCain announced his run for the 2000 Republican Presidential Nomination. "I'm running for President because I think our party needs to focus on broadening our appeal and on issues like maintaining social security, medicaire, and paying down the national debt" McCain stated. McCain served in the U.S. Senate from 1987-1995 and as Vice President of the United States for 13 months between December 1995 and January 1997. Like George Pataki, he is considered a favorite of the GOP establishment.

May 10, 1999 - Hutchison launches 2000 presidential bid
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AUSTIN, TX - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas launched her 2000 presidential campaign. "I believe I am best equipped to defeat Joe Lieberman in the year 2000 because I have a record of working with both parties to get things done. Joe Lieberman has failed to reform entitlement programs, he's failed to change our tax code, he's failed to pay down our national debt, and he's failed to secure our borders" Hutchison said. Hutchison spent two decades in elected office in Texas before being elected and re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992 and 1998.

May 23, 1999 - Poll: Quayle leads GOP field
Dan Quayle 31%
George Pataki 20%
John McCain 19%
George Allen 10%
Kay Bailey Hutchison 5%
JC Watts 4%
Kit Bond 1%
Other 1%

June 1, 1999 - Lieberman: Most of these Republicans agreed with me until now
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WASHINGTON, DC - During an interview with CNN's Larry King, President Joe Lieberman responded to his prospective 2000 opponents criticism by touting his administration's record and saying they all agreed with him until now. "We've reduced taxes on everyone who pays taxes and businesses, we've reformed welfare, and we have made investments in our roads and bridges, as well as research and development. Unemployment has fallen from 5.2% when I took office to 4.4% today as we've seen 7 million new jobs since January of 1997. Welfare rolls have declined by 20% in less than three years. We are on the right track" the President stated. "As for the Republican candidates, John McCain is a friend of mine, we worked together on campaign finance reform and when I passed even broader lobbying reform, he supported me. Senator Hutchison and Senator Bond have voted with my administration on tax cuts, welfare reform, trade policy - it wasn't until recently they've begun attacking me, these candidates were with me until they wanted my job" the President added.

June 5, 1999 - GOP Candidates debate
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"When I ran for President in 1996, I said that we needed a President who was committed to restoring our values and returning power to the American people and away from Washington D.C. This President likes to talk about how he adopted Republican policies on tax cuts and welfare reform, but the size of the federal government has increased by 20,000 workers, the EPA has written two dozen new rules without the consent of congress, and this administration has appointed progressive judges who are writing social policy. I'm running for President to rein in the power of the federal government, to appoint strict constructionist judges, and to reduce the size of the federal workforce to where it was in 1997. I stand by what I said in the last campaign in terms of abolishing the bloated Department of Education and protecting vulnerable human life by passing a ban on partial-birth abortion because every life is precious and deserves equal protection. In the U.S. Senate, as Vice President, and as a presidential candidate, I have won the reputation of speaking my mind and getting results, and that’s why I believe I am best prepared to lead our party to victory in the year 2000" - Dan Quayle

"I'm running for President of the United States because the way to beat Joe Lieberman is by nominating someone from outside Washington who has a proven track record of getting results. In New York, I cut taxes, reformed welfare before the federal government did, and demanded higher standards and greater teacher accountability in the area of education. I'm running on my record, but also a clear agenda for the future. I think we should expand free trade beyond our existing trade agreements we have today, we should replace our current tax code with a 12% flat tax, and we need to reduce the size of the federal government via attrition while reforming federal employee pensions. It's also crucial that we enact comprehensive medical liability reform to reduce health insurance costs for consumers and the cost of medicare. If we do these things, we can help middle and lower income Americans aim higher, and we can broaden prosperity to all corners of our country" - George Pataki

"What brings me to this presidential race is the eagerness I have to have a Republican nominee for President who is committed to reform. In Virginia, I cut taxes 12 times by a total of $800 million, appointed conservative judges, and reduced the size of state government by over 12,000 workers. Joe Lieberman likes talking about how we’ve seen job growth and a decline in welfare rolls over the last three years; he doesn’t like to talk about the fact that the growth in wages has slowed, the national debt has grown despite the President pledging to reduce it, and while Wall Street is doing fine, Main Street is struggling. As President, I will not only reduce taxes, I will reform our tax code - and implement a 15% flat tax. I’ll also fight for health care savings accounts to help more Americans be able to better access health care in the free market, something this President has opposed. I’ll fight for reforming our medical liability system by capping punitive damages at $350,000. I’ll be a reformer in the area of immigration - I support legal immigration, but I will fight to cut funding from sanctuary cities, we’ll secure the border, and we’ll deport anyone here illegally who committed a crime in addition to the crime of illegally being in our country. It’s time for change in Washington, and that’s what I bring to this campaign” - George Allen

“The year 2000 is the beginning of a new century for our country. This century has seen widespread economic prosperity brought on by an industrial revolution, the rise and fall of fascism in Europe, a man on the moon, the collapse of Communism, the invention of the personal computer, and so many great things for our country. What’s next? I believe we have to move into the next century with confidence and pride. We must ensure that our military is well-equipped and prepared to protect the peace. We should reduce taxes and regulations for all Americans to grow our economy, and we should try and cut our corporate tax rate in particular to bring manufacturing back to our shores. We must also reform social security and medicare - I’ve proposed raising the retirement age for future retirees for both programs, and slowing the growth of social security for those earning above $350,000 per year. This new American century should be one where we continue to advance cures to horrible diseases, and it must be one in which we protect every human life - so I’ll support R&D tax credits and a constitutional amendment protecting human life. I ran for Congress in 1994 because I wanted to make a difference, and I run for President to lead our country to make a difference in this new century” - J.C. Watts

“In the state of Texas, we do things differently than in Washington D.C. I spent 16 years in elected office in Texas - I’m proud to have contained the growth of spending, created a rainy-day fund, and reduced our state’s property taxes during that time. I took my conservative principles to the U.S. Senate where led I sponsored welfare reform, led the fight for NAFTA, and I wrote the bill that gives tax credits for energy exploration. I’m very proud of my record and I have a clear, conservative agenda for the future. First, we need to help the American worker compete globally. I’ll fight for a reduction in taxes in three areas - income, capital gains, and corporate. My plan reduces income taxes by 35% for middle and lower income Americans, reduces the capital gains tax by 35%, and reduces the corporate tax rate from 28% to 23%. . I’ll also fight to end protective tariffs and for tort reform in our legal system. Next, we need to protect our country - which is why I will invest $15 billion annually towards human intelligence and border security. I also believe we must protect families and values, I will fight for judges who interpret the constitution, and I will fight to protect human life and school choice. We need a President who is experienced, committed to change, and who understands that more brings us together than seperates us” - Kay Bailey Hutchison

“As a Navy Officer in the U.S. Navy, a Congressman, in the U.S. Senate, and for a brief period of time George Bush’s Vice President, I have always sought to put America’s interests ahead of my own. I stand before you here today, ready to lead this country, understanding all she has to offer and all she can be. I’m proud to have worked with this President in changing our political system to be fairer to Americans because we need more transparency in government. But, over the last few years, the President and I have disagreed on quite a few issues. I am deeply concerned about the enormity of our national debt and the failure of congress and the President to fix social security and medicare. I am deeply concerned about the President not protecting the rights of the unborn. I’m also deeply concerned this President has not done anything to reform our nation’s health care system to make insurance more affordable in the free market. Here’s the truth. I’m not going to offer another large tax reduction, I am offering a plan to reduce the national debt in half over the next decade by reforming social security and medicare. I’m offering what’s been said up here in terms of health care, but I’ll go a step further - I want to return federally subsidized health care dollars to states. We need a President who can work across the aisle to get things done, and one who is a public servant, not an ideologue” - John McCain

“The reason I am on this stage here tonight is that I want a Republican nominee for President who understands our values. All of us up here are pro-life and support banning partial-birth abortion, the fact that we are talking about this issue when just two decades ago, Republicans were silent on the pro-life position, I think is a great thing. But, there’s more. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the Lieberman administration announcing support for domestic partnership rights without the consent of congress, and this President’s unwillingness to consider my bill censoring internet content at institutions funded by the federal government is out of step with our values. Make no mistake about it, all of these candidates make a lot of sense on economic issues, and I’m with them on support for a 15% flat tax and health care reform, though I’m more reluctant to support free trade because we’ve lost manufacturing in many places as a result. I’ll fight for those things as President, but what about our values? Dan Quayle is a friend of mine, but did he do anything to stop domestic partnerships without the consent of congress as Vice President? No. George Pataki is a good man, but he’s pro-choice and signed domestic partnerships into law, he’s not a social conservative. I ask the voters to consider supporting me because I’m a consistent conservative when it counts” - Kit Bond

July 15, 1999 - President Lieberman announces invasion of Iraq, GOP Candidates respond
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WASHINGTON, DC - Stating that the United States and the international community had "expended all other options," President Joseph Lieberman declared that he would send in combat troops to remove Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime from power. Lieberman committed to replacing the present Iraqi regime with a democratically elected government. This came more than two years after congress gave the President authority to use force against Saddam Hussein. Republican Presidential Candidates John McCain, Dan Quayle, George Pataki, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and George Allen voiced support for the President's policy. Candidate Kit Bond said he believed the administration should "build an international coalition" before "going with only two allies." JC Watts, who in congress voted to authorize the use of force, called the decision "too little, too late" and cautioned against "nation building." Watts said while he voted to give the President the authority for the use of force, the Lieberman administration "abandoned the game plan they laid out to congress in 1997."

August 1, 1999 - Quayle wins Ames, IA straw poll
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Dan Quayle 1,407
Kay Bailey Hutchison 978
George Allen 802
JC Watts 392
John McCain 111
George Pataki 94
Kit Bond 45

September 5, 1999 - Allen hits Pataki, McCain, says he’s the “conservative of conviction” in the presidential race
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IOWA CITY, IA - Former Governor of Virginia George Allen attacked presidential opponents George Pataki and John McCain as being too moderate for the Republican Party. “John McCain worked with Joe Lieberman to hurt Republicans in elections by preventing the business community to donate to political candidates, which compromises their first amendment rights, and yet unions can still contribute” Allen said of McCain. “Governor Pataki is pro-choice, for gun control, and against preserving traditional marriage, that is not where I stand” Allen said of Pataki. “I’m a conservative reformer who believes in enforcing our immigration laws, improving our free market health care system, establishing a 15% flat tax that unlike Governor Pataki’s, also reduces our corporate and capital gains taxes, and I’ll protect human life as President” Allen added.

October 1, 1999 - Quayle 2000 not Quayle 1996 in some ways
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CHARLESTON, SC - Despite leading in public opinion polling going into the 2000 Republican primaries, Former Vice President Dan Quayle lacks the fundraising advantage and establishment support he had in 1996. While much of his party’s establishment backed him in 1996, George Pataki was the clear winner in terms of establishment backing. According to FEC filings, since January, Pataki raised $14 million, followed by Former Vice President John McCain at $9.2 million, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison with $7.2 million, and Quayle lagging behind at $4.5 million. Quayle’s 2000 effort is also different strategically than 1996. Then, he focused heavily on courting social conservatives. While he still is seeking that voting bloc, Quayle has positioned himself as a Washington outsider - something he could not do in 1996. He’s focused on winning independent voters who lean Republican as much as the conservative base. While his focus is still on the pro-life position as it was in ‘96, he is embracing an economic and fiscal conservatism - including less regulation, reducing the federal workforce, embracing alternative energy, and a tax plan that eliminates the capital gains tax, doubles the per-child tax credit, and eliminates the “marriage penalty.” Quayle is also more aggressive towards his opponents, calling George Pataki “moderate” while attacking the Governor’s record on gun control, abortion, and spending.

October 15, 1999 - Allen making noise in South Carolina
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COLUMBIA, SC - Former Governor of Virginia George Allen is all-in in the first in the south Republican primary state of South Carolina. Running on what he calls a “reform” platform consisting of a flat tax, an overhaul of immigration laws, health care reform, and entitlement reform, Allen is spending most of his resources in South Carolina. Public opinion polls have found him in 4th or 5th place nationally, but in the course of 6 weeks, he has gone from 5th to 2nd in South Carolina behind Dan Quayle. He has a presence in Iowa, but has made little investment in New Hampshire. Key to his potential success in South Carolina could be his southern roots and perceived ability to win as a conservative.

December 1, 1999 - Endorsements to date
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Dan Quayle
James Baker, Former Secretary of State
Dan Coats, Former U.S. Senator from Indiana
Dick Cheney, Former Secretary of Defense
Jon Sununu, Former White House Chief of Staff
Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator from Iowa
Tommy Thompson, 1996 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee
Robert Orr, Former Governor of Indiana

George Pataki
Tom Ridge, Governor of Pennsylvania
Bill Frist, U.S. Senator from Tennessee
Dennis Hassert, House Miniority Whip
Dick Armey, House Miniority Leader
Steve Forbes, Magazine Publisher
Peter King, Congressman from New York
Lamar Alexander, Former U.S. Secretary of Education

John McCain
Steve Merill, Governor of New Hampshire
Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of New York City
Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator from Arizona
Lindsey Graham, Congressman from South Carolina
Trent Lott, U.S. Senate Minority Leader
Bob Dole, Former U.S. Senate Minority Leader

George Allen
Jim Gilmore, Governor of Virginia
Carroll A. Campbell Jr, Former Governor of South Carolina
David Beasley, Governor of South Carolina
Newt Gingrich, Former House Majority Leader

Kay Bailey Hutchison
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida
Judd Gregg, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Newt Gingrich, Former House Minority Leader
Phil Gramm, U.S. Senator from Texas

Kit Bond
Rick Santorum, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania

J.C. Watts
Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas
Pete Wilson, Former Governor of California

January 25, 2000 - Iowa Caucus: Quayle wins, Allen & Hutchison do better than expected
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IOWA CITY, IA - Former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle won the 2000 Iowa caucus as he did in 1996, garnering 31% of the vote. Former Governor of Virginia George Allen and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison did better than expected, garnering 20% and 18% of the vote respectively.

February 2, 2000 - New Hampshire primary: McCain wins decisive victory
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Vice President John McCain won New Hampshire’s Republican primary, defeating George Pataki decisively. With all the votes in, McCain won 41% of the vote, Pataki placed second with 27%. National front-runner Dan Quayle placed third with 18%.

February 9, 2000 - Allen wins South Carolina, Quayle wins Michigan & Idaho
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CHARLESTON, SC - Former Governor of Virginia George Allen won South Carolina’s Republican Presidential Primary, defeating Dan Quayle 37%-25% in the Palmetto State. In Michigan, Quayle defeated opponent George Pataki 36%-33%, as he defeated opponent Kit Bond 68%-15% in Idaho.

February 21, 2000 - Super Tuesday: Quayle, Allen dominate as McCain, Pataki, and Hutchison win minimal victories, Bond withdrawals
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WASHINGTON, DC - Republicans in 15 states went to the polls to decide who they wanted to be their 2000 presidential nominee. Voters in 5 states selected Dan Quayle, 5 other states selected George Allen, 3 states voted for Kay Bailey Hutchison, and 2 states voted for John McCain. Dan Quayle secured victories in Ohio, Illinois, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. George Allen won his home state of Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. John McCain secured victories in his home state of Arizona and Utah, as Kay Bailey Hutchison won New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland. After failing to gain traction in early states, Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) ended his 2000 presidential campaign.

February 24, 2000 - Pataki ends presidential campaign, endorses John McCain for President
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York George Pataki ended his 2000 presidential campaign and endorsed fellow candidate John McCain for the Republican Presidential Nomination. “John McCain is a reformer who gets things done, he will clean up the mess in Washington and fight for fiscal discipline again” Pataki said of McCain.

February 28, 2000 - Poll: Lieberman tough to beat, Allen and Quayle lead
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GOP Nomination
Dan Quayle 32%
George Allen 31%
Kay Bailey Hutchison 22%
John McCain 20%

General Election Match-Ups

Joe Lieberman 49%
Dan Quayle 37%

Joe Lieberman 48%
George Allen 40%

Joe Lieberman 47%
Kay Bailey Hutchison 41%
Joe Lieberman 47%
John McCain 44%

March 1, 2000 - President Lieberman officially launches re-election campaign
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“Over the last four years, we have brought Democrats and Republicans together to challenge the status-quo in Washington D.C. We passed sweeping ethics reform that has reduced influence peddling in Washington D.C. We’ve reduced taxes and transformed our tax code, reformed welfare, made investments in worker re-training programs, and we’ve sent money to states to help the poorest children have access to health care, to invest in our infrastructure, and towards education. When I took office, unemployment was at 5.7%, today it’s at 4.5%, inflation was 3%, today it’s 2.3%, we faced a deficit of over $200 billion, today we have a balanced budget. We have made tremendous progress in helping more Americans realize the American dream. At the same time, we are making progress in Iraq. The next President of the United States must be committed to regime change and finishing the job there. My fellow citizens, with our economy growing but more work to be done, and in a world where our resolve is being tested, these times demand strong, effective leadership. I’m going to be a candidate for re-election as President. A second term will enable us to work together to continue to build on these results” - President Joe Lieberman

March 7, 2000 - Texas, Delaware, and Georgia vote
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AUSTIN, TX - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison won a decisive victory in her home state of Texas, garnering 72% of the vote. In Georgia’s Republican primary, George Allen defeated Hutchison and Dan Quayle, 40%-29%-19% respectively. In Delaware, Dan Quayle narrowly defeated John McCain, 35%-33% respectively.

March 15, 2000 - SOURCES: Lieberman whitehouse fears McCain most, Quayle least
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WASHINGTON, DC - Speaking anonymously in order to speak candidly to the Washington Post, two Democratic National Committee sources said that President Lieberman’s white house believed the President would cruise to re-election - unless John McCain is the Republican Presidential Nominee. “Of the four candidates, the Lieberman white house believes McCain would be the toughest to beat because he’s universally liked and is very popular with independent voters” one source said. “The white house believes the President would easily win a rematch with Quayle, and Allen is not a great retail politician” the source said. A second source stated that the white house believed Republicans ultimately would nominate Dan Quayle, and that the President would win. “Basically, Republican voters know Dan Quayle and like him, he will be their nominee and the President is very confident of victory with a strong economy and a message that resonates” the second source said. “The white house also knows that John McCain would be formidable, and possibly the same goes for Kay Bailey Hutchison, but not Quayle or George Allen” the source added.

March 23, 2000 - Hutchison wins surprise victories in Minnesota, Missouri
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ST. LOUIS, MO - U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison shocked the political world by winning Republican primaries in Minnesota and Missouri. She defeated George Allen in Missouri 35%-25%, and defeated Dan Quayle in Minnesota 40%-22%.

March 25, 2000 - McCain withdrawals from presidential race
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PHOENIX, AZ - After only winning four presidential primaries, Former U.S. Vice President John McCain ended his 2000 presidential campaign. “I am grateful for the broad support I have received from both Republicans, independents, and yes, Democrats during the course of our campaign. I have no regrets and will continue to fight for the values I believe in” McCain told reporters.

April 2, 2000 - Watts withdrawals
TULSA, OK - Rep. JC Watts ended his 2000 presidential bid

April 2, 2000 - Three remaining GOP candidates debate
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"Over the next 70 days, Republican voters will have a choice to make. My friend Dan Quayle ran for President in 1996, and his message didn't resonate with the American people not because he's wrong on issues, but because he spent two decades in Washington D.C. and became part of the problem. The problem in Washington is, promises are made, but they aren't kept. As a Governor, I actually had to lead, and I got things done - 12 tax cuts, welfare reform, school choice, and restraining state spending below the level of inflation. So, when I talk about the need for a 15% flat tax, health care savings accounts, border security, and stopping the growth of non-defense discretionary spending to below 2% per year, I speak from experience and from having the opportunity to lead a state" - George Allen

"Governor Allen is right, Republicans do have a choice in this election. In Virginia, state debt grew by 15% - twice the rate of the federal debt during George Allen's tenure. He talks about reducing taxes 12 times, he also increased taxes and fees by $400 million during his four years - he raised tolls, increased the gasoline tax, and even increased the state sales tax, plus because of his centralized planning, local property taxes saw their largest increase in a generation during his tenure. Where did the money go? It went to pay for a state expansion of medicaid despite an influx of federal dollars for that program, it went to a record number of pet projects, and it went to hire more government employees. My record, my values, and my experience are different. I served for 12 years in congress, the house and the U.S. Senate. I dealt with foreign policy issues, budgetary issues, and agriculture. I voted for the Reagan budgets that reduced taxes and rebuilt our military. Along with two of my colleagues, I wrote the bill that gave states greater authority over the Veterans Administration, and I also fought and won in the fight against lifting President Reagan's Mexico City policy in December 1988. As Vice President, I stood with George Bush as we drove Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, reduced taxes for small businesses, implemented NAFTA, and protected the rights of the disabled. I'm proud of that record" - Dan Quayle

"Being President of the United States is the toughest job in the world. All of us up here have experience, the question is, which one of us has the best record and the right ideas? In Texas, I helped restrain spending and we actually had a rainy-day fund when I left office, and we did it without raising taxes. In the U.S. Senate, I was a leading advocate for welfare reform, expanding free trade, and for reducing taxes on small businesses. As President, I will fight for economic security by reducing taxes on personal and business income and investment, reducing barriers to trade, and enacting tort reform to create certainty for the private sector. I’ll invest in our human intelligence capabilities because the first priority of any President is to keep Americans safe. I will fight for families by ending federal involvement in education and by protecting the sanctity of every human life” - Kay Bailey Hutchison

“I am very confident in my ability to beat Joe Lieberman in 2000. Four years ago, this President told Americans he’d pay for all these new programs, and still cut taxes and reduce our national debt in half by the end of this fiscal year. He did cut taxes, though our tax code is still complicated and filled with special interest loopholes. He also increased spending as promised, our national debt was $5.2 trillion when he took office, it’s now approaching $6 trillion, and it will be $7 trillion by the year 2010 if we continue on the same path we are on. If we stop sending money to cities that in turn give benefits to those here illegally, if we change our health care system to empower individuals and not bureaucrats, if we end the IRS as we know it, and if we cap the growth of federal spending, we can begin to reduce our national debt for real this time” - George Allen

“Four years ago, I ran for President as a conservative Republican. I lost. Today, I stand before you here today, understanding of the mistakes I made in that campaign. Four years ago, I relied upon the conservative base to win, and I’m still relying on that conservative base to get out and vote, and I’m proud to be a part of that conservative base. But, I also must reach out to independent voters who are tired of the federal government over regulating, over-taxing, over litigating, and being involved in parental decisions with regards to education. Secondly, I warned of Joe Lieberman’s billions in new federal spending without a way to pay for it, and unfortunately, what I said came true. Finally, Americans are eager for change, and I’ve been an agent of change. We brought on a conservative revolution in the 1980s by reaching out to independent voters, and I was a part of that revolution. Under George Bush, I was proud to have a bipartisan set of accomplishments. Together, we will win this election” - Dan Quayle

“Key to winning for any Republican candidate in 2000 depends on broadening our voter base the way Presidents Reagan and Bush did. When I ran for the U.S. Senate in 1992, I didn’t just go out and count on Republicans - I attracted the votes of not only 97% of Republicans, but also 61% of independents and even 46% of Democrats. In all three areas, I did even better in 1998. My message is not a particularly partisan one. It’s about protecting our free market economic system, our national defense, and our values. I also think my experience in both the state of Texas and in the U.S. Senate shows a great contrast with Joe Lieberman, perhaps more so than my opponents. I would offer Americans a sharp contrast. Joe Lieberman’s tax cuts are 50-60% smaller than what I have proposed since 1997, I voted against all of his budgets, I have fought against his liberal judicial nominees, and I was one of only three Republicans to vote against his nominees for Secretary of Labor and one of two who opposed his Department of Education nominee. But, Americans also expect a President to work with those whom they disagree with. I worked with this administration in passing new free trade agreements in places such as Peru and Columbia, I worked with this administration to send more border patrol agents to our southern border, and I worked with Senator Russ Feingold to pass tax relief for working families by increasing the threshold for the earned income tax credit” - Kay Bailey Hutchison

April 4, 2000 - Illinois, West Virginia, Alabama vote
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CHICAGO, IL - Former Virginia Governor George Allen won a trio of primaries in Illinois, West Virginia, and Alabama. He defeated opponent Dan Quayle 41%-30% in Illinois and 50%-29% in West Virginia as he defeated opponent Kay Bailey Hutchison 39.5%-39.2% in Alabama.

April 11, 2000 - Alaska, Montana, Indiana vote
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Former Vice President Dan Quayle won a decisive victory in his home state of Indiana, defeating George Allen 68%-21% as Allen defeated Quayle 51%-30% in Alaska. Allen defeated Quayle and Kay Bailey Hutchison 40%-30%-28% in Montana respectively.

April 15, 2000 - Hutchison ends presidential bid
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DALLAS, TX - U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) ended her 2000 presidential campaign after finishing third in the majority of presidential contests. “Today, I am withdrawing from the presidential race. In doing so, I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to continue to advocate for the principles my supporters so strongly believe in in the United States Senate” Hutchison, who pledged to support the eventual GOP Presidential Nominee, stated.

April 23, 2000 - California, New Mexico, Massachusetts vote: Quayle sweeps
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SACRAMENTO, CA - Former Vice President Dan Quayle swept primaries in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts. Quayle defeated Allen 55%-40% in California, 51%-48% in New Mexico, and 60%-38% in Massachusetts.

April 29, 2000 - Illinois, Hawaii, Kansas vote: Quayle sweeps
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TOPEKA, KS - Former U.S. Vice President secured victories in presidential primaries in Illinois, Hawaii, and Kansas.

Allen calls it quits
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CHICAGO, IL - Former Governor of Virginia George Allen announced he was ending his presidential bid. “We brought what was a longshot campaign for reform in Washington to every corner of this country, and we placed second! For that, we can all be proud. But, the math is not in our favor and so tonight, I spoke with Vice President Quayle and offered him my concession, and my support in this election” Allen said.

Dan Quayle wins 2000 Republican Presidential Nomination
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“I want to thank conservatives and Republicans from across this country for their support, confidence, and for their votes. Tonight, we have earned enough delegates and votes to claim that we have won the Republican nomination for President of the United States. Our principles of a flat tax, the pro-life position, abolishing the Department of Education, and standing up for strict constructionist judges has won the day. Now is the time for us to come together and reach out to independents and Reagan Democrats. We will pursue policies to reduce federal spending and begin to pay down the national debt. We will pursue policies to expand free trade to create more high paying American jobs. If we make the case for greater economic security, we will win this election, and I plan on doing just that” - Dan Quayle, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee

May 10, 2000 - Media list of possible Quayle running-mates
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George Allen, Former Governor of Virginia and Former Presidential Candidate
Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Senator from Texas and Former Presidential Candidate
Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of New York City
James Baker, Former Secretary of State
Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator from Arizona
Newt Gingrich, Former House Minority Leader
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida
Judd Gregg, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Elizabeth Dole, Former Secretary of Transportation
Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas

May 15, 2000 - Three Republicans back President Lieberman in re-election bid
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HARTFORD, CT - President Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign announced that three prominent Republicans would be supporting the President for re-election at a press conference with the President outside his national campaign headquarters. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Governor Tom Ridge (R-PA), and Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) declared they would be supporting the President for re-election. "If you look past the rheoric and look at what has actually happened since 1997, you'll see that this President has gone out of his way to engage Republicans - and he signed welfare reform, tax cuts, and a balanced budget amendment into law as a result" Senator Collins stated. Governor Ridge went on the attack towards his party's nominee during his remarks. "I am proud to have worked hard for my party in the state of Pennsylvania, but our message is one of unity, whereas Mr. Quayle believes in dividing people over issues best left up to individuals and not the federal government, the current President has brought both parties together" Ridge declared. "For New York City and America, this President has led - we need to come together as a country and find solutions to our challenges, and the President has done that" Mayor Rudy Giuliani, once considered a Republican Vice Presidential prospect, declared.

June 2, 2000 - Lieberman: Saddam Hussein captured
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WASHINGTON, DC - President Joe Lieberman announced to the United States and the world that U.S. and it's allies captured Saddam Hussein in Iraq. "Tonight, Iraq's long national nightmare has come to an end, as the United States and our allies have captured a brutal dictator responsible for murdering millions. Tonight, the world is a better place" the President stated.

June 2, 2000 - Quayle: I agree, the world better off without Saddam Hussein
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HUNTINGTON, IN - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle released a statement regarding the capture of Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein. In his statement, the Former Vice President said he agreed with President Joe Lieberman that "the world is better off" without Saddam Hussein in power. Quayle then called for "training the Iraqis to care for their own security."

July 1, 2000 - Poll: Lieberman leads by 10
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Joe Lieberman 50%
Dan Quayle 40%

July 27, 2000 - Quayle taps Dole for Vice President
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle announced that Former Secretary of Transportation and American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole would be his running-mate in the 2000 election. "Elizabeth Dole's experience in both government and in the non-profit sector, her experience leading, and her sound judgement uniquely qualify her to be Vice President of the United States" Quayle said of Dole. Dole, a former Washington D.C. attorney, served as Secretary of Transportation from 1989-1992 and as President of the American Red Cross from 1993-1999.

August 9, 2000 - Vice President Dick Gephardt accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination
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"It was four years ago that the President and I stood before the American people and pledged to bring both parties together to get things done for all Americans. We promised to fundamentally reform government and ensure the American dream was available to all of our people. Four years later, we can point to a track record of results. We have successfully reformed our welfare system to reward work and discourage dependency, we are cutting taxes by $550 billion and ending special interest loopholes, we signed into law a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget, we've increased funding for local aid to education and job training, helped reduce the number of children without health care in half by working with state and local governments, and this administration has invested more in our infrastructure than any administration since Dwight Eisenhower. The results of these policies are clear. We now have a balanced budget for the first time in more than a generation, over half a million people who were in poverty when we took office have been lifted out of poverty, nearly 6 million new jobs have been created since we took office, welfare rolls are down by 40%, educational test scores are rising, and wages have grown at twice the rate of the previous four years. Our opponents see things differently, they ignore these facts and the bi-partisan accomplishments of this administration and congress. They believe that ideology should be the driver of the debate in Washington, we believe more unites us than divides us, and that's exactly how we will lead in these next four years as we have since 1997" - Vice President Dick Gephardt

August 9, 2000 - President Joe Lieberman accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination
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“Over the last four years, we have taken steps to reform government, restore the American dream for everyone, and we took decisive action to disarm a dictator responsible for murdering millions, oppressing millions, and threatening the security and stability of the world. Today, we are showing the world what American leadership looks like. We have invested in our communities as opposed to a larger welfare state. Government is now more open and transparent than at anytime in our history by any objective measure. We’ve reduced taxes, opened up our markets, and balanced the budget so we can continue to see economic growth. We’ve protected our country and worked with our allies to make this world safer. Americans are safer and more prosperous today than they were four years ago, and we will keep moving our country forward with confidence, unity, and strength in these next four years. In the next four years, let us come together to end our dependence on foreign sources of energy - we’ve made strides in the right direction, but we must encourage solar, wind, clean coal, and nuclear energies. I have also proposed that we means test social security and medicare not to punish the most successful in our society, but to make sure those programs are there for future generations, and to begin the work of paying down our nation’s debt. Another term affords me the opportunity to fight for something I believe in very strongly - I think it is time for us to work together to cover every child in America with health insurance by working with states the the private sector. If we do these things, we will enrich the lives of working families, protect the most vulnerable in our society, and we will continue to create jobs and move our economy forward. This era of great prosperity here at home is also a moment of great uncertainty abroad. Two months ago, our brave men and women in uniform captured Saddam Hussein. We succeeded in overthrowing an outlaw regime that has the blood of millions on their hand, and a regime that threatened the world. Today, Iraq is uncertain. My opponent believes that we should train the Iraqis and leave. I know that this is a long struggle for a democracy in a part of the world where freedom is rare. We will train the Iraqis to care for their own security, but we must also install a democratically elected government because that is what the formerly oppressed people of Iraq deserve, and it’s what is right in this world. Our country has achieved great goals in the last four years, and my job is to ensure our country is as prosperous, safe, and proud as she can be in the next four” - President Joe Lieberman

August 17, 2000 - Elizabeth Dole accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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“Every four years, Americans have the opportunity to select between candidates with different visions, experiences, records, and ideas. Four years ago, Americans elected a young U.S. Senator who promised to bridge the partisan divide and implement policies he said would help advance the American dream. Often, this President likes to tell you how many jobs were created, or how welfare rolls are down, or how the budget is balanced. The fact is, since 1980, our economy has only seen job growth. Even during the recession of 1991-1992, the economy added jobs. In 1980, 27 million Americans were dependent on welfare. By 1996, that number fell to 14 million and today, that number is 8.2 million. That is a credit to bipartisan welfare reform, but also to economic growth we’ve seen in the last two decades. If you look at the whole picture, you’ll find the President isn’t telling the entire story. Drug use is up 15% since 1996. The national debt has increased by $800 billion. In 1996, our deficit was $102 billion, in fiscal year 1999, it was $405 billion. The cost of health insurance has seen it’s fastest rise in the last three years than at anytime since 1960. Home ownership has seen it’s slowest rise since 1979. Fellow Americans, we can do better and if you entrust the presidency to Dan Quayle, we will do better. We will ensure that the future is brighter than our past, and we will always fight for what is right in this world” - Elizabeth Dole, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

August 20, 2000 - Dan Quayle accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination
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“Four years ago, I accepted the nomination of our party for President of the United States in a time of great promise, but also great challenge. My generation has seen the size of the federal government grow by nearly double in the last three decades. We saw firsthand the horrors of a foreign policy without purpose or moral authority. We have seen a culture that has been in decline. In 1980, something happened. After two decades of decline and despair, we elected a hopeful leader who created an American foreign policy with moral purpose, who understood the greatness of our values as people, and who began to limit government. In 1988, Americans elected a war hero who continued to build on the progress made during the 1980s and brought us to new highs in terms of our economic strength and our nation’s security. I’m proud to have helped fight for the policies of Ronald Reagan and George Bush to grow our economy, protect our country, and restore our values. Much of what we did succeeded, though some of it did not. Today, more so than four years ago, our country faces great challenge, but we also have great promise. Let me be frank. This President has failed to reduce our national debt, he’s failed to do something about our southern border which has seen an increase in illegal border crossings, he’s failed to help our poorest communities fight crime and drug use, and he’s failed to help the most vulnerable in our education system succeed. Now is the time for an experienced, proven leader who can get things done to help limit government and unleash the spirit of America. If I’m elected President of the United States, power will be returned to states and to the American people. We will have an actual plan to train the Iraqis to care for their own security. We will stop the trial lawyers from harming our nation’s business climate with frivolous lawsuits. We will stop the erosion of our values by restoring integrity to government and discipline to our criminal justice system. We will fight to balance the budget and throw our our current tax code. At their convention, the Democrats again promised us the world. We’ve heard it all before - they promise more programs, but somehow, they seem to believe we aren’t going to have to pay for it. That’s what they said four years ago, and we’ve seen more debt and yet, for too many Americans, the American dream they promised in 1996 is distant. Throughout my career, I’ve always been realistic, but I’ve also always been optimistic because in this nation, we can achieve great things working together” - Dan Quayle, Republican Presidential Nominee

September 5, 2000 - Four Republican U.S. Senators, 12 House members, back Lieberman for re-election
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RALEIGH, NC - President Joe Lieberman, touting bi-partisan accomplishments on tax cuts, welfare reform, and a constitutional balanced budget amendment, was joined by a group of four senate Republicans and 12 house Republicans on stage as they crossed party lines to endorse the President for re-election. U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Rod Grams (R-MN), and Spencer Abraham (R-MI), in addition to 12 house Republicans, endorsed the President in his re-election bid, touting the same issues the President touted.

October 4, 2000 - Lieberman, Quayle participate in domestic policy debate
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CLEVELAND, OH - President Joe Lieberman and Former Vice President Dan Quayle participated in the first of three presidential debates. The debate, focused on domestic issues, pitted the two presidential nominees against each other on a variety of issues, ranging from taxes to abortion. Lieberman, touting the creation of 6 million new jobs which he attributed to tax reductions and free trade, said his administration was working with both parties to promote a positive business climate. Lieberman said health care reform, entitlement reform, and continuing to invest in education and infrastructure improvements would be the focus of a second term presidential agenda. Quayle was critical of the Lieberman administration’s criminal justice and fiscal policies, arguing for a 10% reduction in the size of the federal workforce by the year 2004. Quayle said his top priorities would be to reduce the national debt, abolish the Department of Education, to appoint “strict constructionist” judges, ending parole for violent criminals, and a 15% flat tax.

October 12, 2000 - Vice Presidential Candidates debate
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - Vice President Dick Gephardt and Elizabeth Dole participated in a vice presidential debate. Gephardt, long considered a populist, made the argument that fewer Americans were in poverty as a result of the Lieberman administration’s policies on taxes and health care, as Elizabeth Dole argued the poor were worse off, citing increases in property crime in cities such as Detriot and Los Angeles. Gephardt accused Dan Quayle of supporting lower taxes for the wealthy while seeking to increase taxes on lower income Americans under his flat tax proposal. Dole accused the Lieberman administration of supporting a federal takeover of education, and of lacking vision in Iraq.

October 21, 2000 - Lieberman, Quayle debate foreign policy
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DENVER, CO - In their second presidential debate, Republican Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle and Democratic Nominee President Joe Lieberman debated foreign policy issues. Lieberman said that his administration was committed to not only training Iraqis to care for their own security forces, but to overseeing free elections and helping construct new schools, health care centers, and job training facilities. Lieberman said it would likely be up to his successor to withdrawal from Iraq. Quayle said he believed the U.S. should train the Iraqis to care for their own security, but that nation building was not “the answer.” Both men agreed that a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq was not a good option. Both men also agreed that increasing defense spending was necessary; Lieberman said his administration increased defense spending by 5% per year and would continue to do so, whereas Quayle called for an additional $400 billion for the military by the year 2008 in order to pay for 40,000 additional recruits.

October 28, 2000 - Lieberman, Quayle make their final case in final debate
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“My fellow Americans, four years ago, I stood here before you and promised I’d fight to reform government and help us reclaim the American dream. Four years later, we’ve cut taxes by 15%, reformed our welfare system, invested in health care and job-training, and we passed a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. At the same time, the United States succeeded in overthrowing a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people and who was a threat to world stability. Together, working together, you and I have made history. I’m asking for the opportunity to continue to do the job I was elected to do in 1996. Together, we’ll continue to build on the progress of the last four years. We’ll cover every child in America with health care, we’ll reform social security and medicare, we’ll invest in our nation’s infrastructure, and we’ll end our dependence on foreign sources of energy. At the same time, I am committed to peace in this world, and I will pursue policies in Iraq to help bring our troops home in victory. The stakes are high in this election, and my opponent believes in the politics of fear, but I am optimistic about the future of this great country, and that’s why I’m asking for your vote” - President Joe Lieberman

“The President and I do agree that he made a lot of promises for years ago. Today, the administration has failed to reduce our nation’s debt, they’ve failed to take on the problem of crime and increased drug use in our most vulnerable communities, they’ve appointed judicial activists to serve on our judicial benches, and this President and his team have no strategy to achieve victory in Iraq. It’s time for change, and it’s time for a President with the judgement and experience to lead our nation. If you believe that the power over health care, education, and decisions you make in your lives belongs in Washington, than the President and his liberal allies in congress would love to have your support. But if you believe that it’s time to limit government and return power to the American people, than my Republican allies and I ask for your vote. My agenda is an agenda that is meant to empower all Americans to aim higher. We need to raise our standards of leadership - for two decades, I served in leadership positions. I fought for the values that made our country great, and I told people the truth about our challenges, our options, and where I stand. I’m asking for your vote because it’s time to restore integrity in government and it’s time to reclaim the values that made our nation great” - Former Vice President Dan Quayle

Election 2000 - President Lieberman wins decicively
Joe Lieberman / Dick Gephardt (D) 57% 340 EV
Dan Quayle / Elizabeth Dole (R) 42% 198 EV
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The Second Term of Joe Lieberman key events - January 20, 2001 - January 2, 2003
March 1, 2001 - President Lieberman signs into law the Social Security Means Test Act, means testing social security to slow the growth on those with average earnings of above $100,000 per year during the decade before retirement
June 5, 2001 - President Lieberman signs into law the Education Bond Act of 2001, allowing the federal government to sell certain assets to fund increasing the number of college pell grants for lower income students
September 22, 2001 - President Lieberman announces the launch of the War on Terror
December 15, 2001 - President Lieberman signs into law a $300 billion stimulus package in the midst of a recession
February 15, 2002 - President Lieberman signs into law a federal ban on assault weapons, which won criticism from House Republicans & the NRA
May 1, 2002 - President Lieberman announces that all but 10,000 U.S. forces will be out of Iraq by June 5, 2002. The President also announces a surge of 15,000 forces to Afghanistan
August 27, 2002 - President Lieberman signs into law a federal civil union law, guaranteeing same-sex couples the same rights as married couples under federal law
November 25, 2002 - President Lieberman and House Democrats pass a surcharge on the income tax of 5% above $250,000 to pay for a projected deficit of $500 billion for fiscal year 2003.

January 5, 2003 - Hart launches third presidential campaign
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DENVER, CO - Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart launched his third presidential campaign after months of speculation. Hart, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1977-1989 and as U.S. Trade Representative from 1997-1999, made the announcement at a press conference. "I'm running for President because these times demand experienced foreign policy and economic leadership, and I have that experience" Hart stated.

January 23, 2003 - Pataki to make white house run again
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ALBANY, NY - Governor of New York George Pataki announced his second white house run outside the governor's mansion in Albany. "Today, I announce that I am a candidate for President of the United States. I'm running because I have a record of getting things done on economic development, education, and welfare reform that others have not been able to do" Pataki told supporters.

February 15, 2003 - Ashcroft enters presidential race
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ST. LOUIS, MO - Former U.S. Senator John Ashcroft of Missouri became the second Republican to formally enter the race for the 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination. "I'm running for President of the United States to protect this country and restore a sense of civility to our politics" Ashcroft, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1995-2001 after serving as Missouri's Governor, declared.

March 1, 2003 - Giuliani to seek 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination
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MANCHESTER, NH - Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani announced he would stand as a candidate for the 2004 Republican Presidential Nomination. "Americans deserve an optimistic leader with a proven record of getting results" Giuliani, a former Reagan assistant attorney general and district attorney, stated.

March 23, 2003 - Bradley to seek 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey announced his intention to run for President in 2004. "I believe our country needs to invest in it's people again here at home, and we have to protect ourselves and also restore our moral authority abroad" Bradley told supporters. Bradley served in the U.S. Senate from 1985-1997 and is a former NBA basketball player.

April 5, 2003 - Inholfe to seek Republican nomination for President
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TULSA, OK - U.S. Senator James Inholfe announced he would seek the presidency in 2004. "The bottom line is this: our party, and our country need a consistent conservative on values, foreign policy, and on economic matters, and I will be that conservative" Inholfe stated.

April 27, 2003 - Gephardt running for President in 2004
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DES MOINES, IA - Vice President Dick Gephardt entered the 2004 presidential race. "Today, I announce my candidacy for President of the United States. Today, our country is safer and more prosperous than it was eight years ago. But, for too many, prosperity isn't all that's cracked up to be" Gephardt said in his announcement. Gephardt served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977-1997 and as House Speaker from 1993-1997 before being elected Vice President in 1996.

May 2, 2003 - Bush running for President
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush entered the 2004 presidential race at a rally in Miami Beach. "Today, I declare that I am a candidate for President of the United States. Our country deserves strong, effective leadership to defend our interests, grow our economy, and bring Americans together during a time of great challenge" Bush stated. Bush served as Governor of Florida from 1995-2003 and is the son of Former President George Bush, and the brother of current Governor of Texas George W. Bush.

May 10, 2003 - Hutchison to make second presidential run
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AUSTIN, TX - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas announced that once again, she would seek the presidency. "I will be the candidate of change, and that's why I'm seeking this nomination" Hutchison told CNN. Hutchison has served in the U.S. Senate since 1993.

May 24, 2003 - Tancredo to run in 2004
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CHARLESTON, SC - Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado declared he would run for President in 2004. "We need plain spoken leaders who will confront the challenges we face, which include a dangerous level of immigration and unfair trade laws" Tancredo said. Tancredo has served in congress since 1999.

July 27, 2003 - Republican Presidential Candidates make their case in first debate
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"I'm running for President of the United States because I want to protect our nation, revive our economy, and help unite our people in a way that helps us restore hope in our nation and in ourselves. In Florida, working with Republicans and Democrats, I reduced taxes by $18 billion, fought for medical liability reform, enacted the largest school choice program in America while raising standards in education, and I reduced the size of state government by 10% while increasing our state's rainy day fund from $1.2 billion to $7 billion in eight years. We added over a million jobs, and experienced more growth than all but two states during my time as Governor. I'm ready to lead our nation, I'm ready to reform our tax code and lower tax rates while closing special interest loopholes, I'm ready to reverse the regulatory burden created by this administration, and I'm ready to lead an effort to reform our immigration system, fix medicare and social security, and pay down our national debt. If we do these things, we'll see sustained economic growth and rising incomes again in our country. I'm also prepared to lead this nation at a time of chaos globally, I've had the experience of making tough decisions, and I'll lead a concerted, comprehensive effort to strengthen our alliances with our allies and defeat those who wish us harm. We need to restore hope and optimism in our country, and I'm asking for your help in doing so" - Jeb Bush

"In my eight years of Mayor of New York City, I reduced crime by punishing all crimes, we revived our cities economy through cutting taxes, and we plugged a budget deficit with fiscal discipline, not raising taxes. I feel that I have been tested and proven during good times and bad, and that is exactly what our nation needs in a President. Here at home, we've experienced eighteen months of either job loss, breaking even, or sluggish economic growth. It's because the current administration has failed to deal with our structural deficits, they have failed to cut taxes as dramatically as they need to be cut, and we have seen increases in the cost of health insurance over the last eight years because of increased government intervention into the market. I have experience taking on the special interests and leading an effort to reduce taxes and the size and scope of government, that's what I'll do as President. My economic plan calls for the largest tax relief in two decades and for making health care tax deductible and portable. Also, our next President must be able to deal with rebuilding Iraq and succeeding in Afghanistan. I have been honest and upfront about how I intend to succeed and that this conflict is not one that will be short, but it is one America must win, and I have the leadership qualities necessary to help us succeed" - Rudy Giuliani

"After twenty years of failing to address the three great challenges our nation faces, I am here before you today ready to confront them head on. The first is the immigration issue - mass migration to the United States from foreign nations has led to depressed American wages, a growing welfare state, and greater competition over jobs. I will secure the border, make sure those local governments giving benefits to those here illegally lose all aid from the federal government, and we will force those who are here illegally to go home. The second major challenge is trade. Governor Bush's father and Joe Lieberman have involved us in trade deals which have not been enforced, our currency has been manipulated, and manufacturing has gone off shore. I'll reverse that tide and fight for American workers. Finally, both Rudy Giuliani and George Pataki are pro-choice and in my mind, 56 million aborted fetuses since 1974 should not be tolerated in America, let alone the Republican Party. We need to do whatever it takes to protect human life, and one of my top priorities will be to overturn Roe Vs. Wade. I know I'm not the candidate of the political class, they are all for Jeb Bush or Rudy. But, I hope to have the support of clear, consistent, conservatives who care about issues and not money" - Tom Tancredo

"This nation needs strong, conservative leadership. Dick Gephardt will continue Joe Lieberman's policies of borrowing without voter approval, appointing liberal judges, and getting involved in foreign wars congress won't declare. As President, I have a five point plan to restore American greatness. First, we'll throw out our current tax code and move to a 10% flat tax with no deductions and replace the corporate income tax with a 5% sales tax on items above $100, it's revenue neutral and it'll create jobs. Second, I will freeze federal spending until we balance the budget without having to borrow money to do so. Third, I will fight to over-turn Roe Vs. Wade and protect innocent life. Fourth, I'll end the war in Iraq and focus on defeating our enemies in Afghanistan. Fifth, I will fight for and sign a federal marriage amendment to the constitution. If you support big government republicanism, Governor Bush or Mayor Giuliani would love to have your support, but if you believe in the party of Reagan and Goldwater, I'm asking for your vote. I believe government has gotten to big, we have moved too far away from our founding principles, and we have allowed the left to define who we are, well we Republicans seek to restore America’s promise as the left seeks to change the very foundation of who we are as a society, and I’ll stop them from being successful at that" - James Inholfe

“I stand here before you here today, determined now more than ever to fight for conservative values and change in Washington. I have agreed with many of this President’s decisions on foreign policy, and if elected, I would continue to stay on offense against those who wish us harm. But, we need to change the direction of our domestic policies. During the course of my career, I have always been a staunch fiscal, social, and national security conservative. I have fought for welfare reform, free trade, tax cuts, and sanctions against North Korea. I have amongst the highest ratings from National Right to Life in congress, and I'm proud to have been on the front lines in opposing Joe Lieberman's efforts to give taxpayer funding to planned parenthood. We need a President who will fight and advocate for conservative policies. That's why I'll oppose efforts to fund planned parenthood and get the government involved in health care. That's why as President, I'll fight for a flat tax and double border patrol agents to protect our southern border. Our conservative values are worth fighting for, and I'm the one who has fought for our values throughout my career- Kay Bailey Hutchison

“What America needs today is a turnaround, and I have done it before. When I ran for Governor of New York in 1994, I said that I wasn’t going to accept some of the highest taxes in America, the weakest economic recovery in the region, and continuously spending millions on social welfare programs without any provisions requiring work. Despite what the polls and pundits said, I won that election, and I’m a Republican standing here before you today who has won in a blue state three times. In New York, I cut taxes 17 times, reduced welfare rolls by 40% because we required work before the federal government did, and we took on crime and have experienced the largest drop in crime of any state during the last 9 years. Today, our nation is at war. Our economy is in recession. Our national debt is at a record high. Washington is more dysfunctional now than ever. I have a record of breaking through the gridlock and leading, and that’s exactly what I want to do as President. My top priorities will be protecting our country, reforming our health care system through tort reform, and reversing Joe Lieberman's new spending - it's time for proven leadership” - George Pataki

September 15, 2003 - Democrats appeal to voters at South Carolina forum
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“Four eight years, the President and I have worked together to defend our country and expand opportunity for all Americans. Together, we have reduced the number of children in poverty lacking health care by 70%, and we’ve reduced poverty by over half a million Americans because we’ve invested in job training and a raise in the minimum wage. We’ve seen the number of young people entering college increase by more than 8% in the last two years alone. Fellow citizens, we have invested in our future and as President, I will do the same - I support asking the wealthiest 5% of Americans to pay a 39% tax rate instead of a 36% rate so we can provide health care for every single American who can’t afford it today. We’ll continue to make investments in our infrastructure, our schools, and in alternative sources of energy. In fact, I want to get serious about combating climate change - we need to reduce C02 emissions with a serious carbon cap. We can do all of this and still balance our budget, keep in place tax relief for 95% of Americans, and continue to fund social security, medicare, and medicaid. At the same time as we need to invest in our people here at home, we need to defeat our enemies abroad, and that requires success in Iraq, and we are succeeding in Iraq. I’ll continue to invest in our military and in border security, but I refuse to go along with Republicans as they seek to engage in an anti-immigrant sentiment, we can welcome legal immigrants into our nation and still secure our border and see rising wages for our workers, the Republicans are wrong on this issue. I have the experience and qualifications to lead our country in a time of turmoil overseas, and I’ll lead our economy from recession here at home” - Dick Gephardt

“We Democrats face a clear choice in this election. The party establishment wants you to believe that by sounding like Republicans, we can win this election. I couldn’t disagree more. I stand for things like universal healthcare, gun control, a woman’s right to choose, public financing of all federal elections, and capping CO2 emissions not because they win votes, though clearly they do with Democrats, but because it’s what’s right for America. Our country needs leaders with the courage to admit that yes, we are a great country, but we need to start closing the gap between the rich and poor, treating all of our citizens equally, and we need to help the most vulnerable in our society get ahead so they too can live the American dream. The fact is, I worked with President Reagan and Republicans to simplify our tax code during the 1980s, and I worked with our President, Joe Lieberman, to end discrimination in the U.S. military. I didn’t take on these fights because they would score me political points, but because they were and remain the right positions. I don’t believe in conducting polls to know what to fight for, I believe making decisions and sticking with them. As your President, I will consult with you, the American people, through town hall meetings, not focus groups or listening to public surveys. I’ll consult with advisers and my own conscious as well. I don’t believe the presidency should be bought, I think it should be earned, and that’s what I intend to do” - Bill Bradley

“For the last 28 years, I have sought to find solutions, work with people, educate our young, and serve the public. I spent 12 years in the United States Senate where I was an early advocate for increased trade with central America, and I am proud to have worked with President Reagan and a Democratic majority in congress in 1987 to double funding for the National Institutes of Health in an effort to research and find cures to some of the world’s most serious illnesses. After leaving the senate, I taught and was a commentator on foreign policy, trade policy, and tax policy. I also returned to the private practice of law and worked in the private sector. When President Bush asked me to be a special envoy to Japan to increase trade between our two nations, I gladly accepted. When President Lieberman asked me to be U.S. Trade Representative, I said yes, and we continued to open up our markets while enforcing trade agreements to the best of our ability. Today, I stand before you here today, ready to lead during a time of great consequence. In my judgement, President Lieberman will go down in history as one of the great Presidents. The question for the next President is, where do we go from here? We have to have a President who is committed to victory in the middle east. This conflict is a long term conflict, we need a President who will tell us the truth and keep us safe. At the same time as we fight our enemies, we must enhance our alliances with our allies. We need to support free trade, yes, but trade policy must also take into consideration human rights, fairness in wages, and the environment, and I’ll make sure our trade laws do. The United States must also lead the world again in finding cures for diseases, in combating climate change, and in educating our youth with higher educational standards. I believe that we must set goals for our country, and I’m very confident we can achieve anything working together” - Gary Hart

September 17, 2003 - Bradley surges in fundraising, polling after Democrats speak in South Carolina
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SUMMERVILLE, SC - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Bradley raised $300,000 in the 48 hours following a Democratic candidates forum in South Carolina. Additionally, Bradley surged in public opinion polling in the early primary state of New Hampshire. Aides to opponent Dick Gephardt dismissed the surge, stating it was “temporary” and implying Bradley would have a difficult time in a general election. But supporters of the Former U.S. Senator from New Jersey said Bradley’s “straight talk” and “bold solutions” helped him surge in polling.

October 10, 2003 - GOP race turns negative when Hutchison attacks Bush, Giuliani on “moderate” positions
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IOWA CITY, IA - Republican Presidential Hopeful Kay Bailey Hutchison told voters in Iowa that her two main opponents, Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, were “too moderate” for Republicans. “Rudy Giuliani is pro-choice, pro-gun control, and against a balanced budget amendment to the constitution - that sounds a lot like Dick Gephardt and Bill Bradley to me” Hutchison stated. “In Florida, Governor Bush opposed off-shore drilling and increased state spending faster than the rate of inflation” Hutchison stated. Both Bush and Giuliani’s campaign responded. “In Florida, Jeb Bush inherited a state with a budget gap of $175 million and by the time he left office, Florida had increased it’s reserves from $1.1 billion to $8.7 billion in eight years” the Bush campaign stated in a press release. For his part, Giuliani said that, “I believe that abortion and gun control are issues best left up to states, and I support balancing the budget, I was opposed to a constitutional change is all.”

November 15, 2003 - Gephardt hits Bradley on electability, taxes as Bradley promises to “stay positive”
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DES MOINES, IA - Fearing Bill Bradley’s rise in the polls, Vice President Dick Gephardt, seeking the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination, attacked his main rival. “Senator Bradley supported the Reagan tax plan in 1986 which increased taxes on the working poor while cutting rates on the top 2% - that’s wrong, it’s bad economics, and it led to greater income inequality” Gephardt said at an Iowa event. Gephardt also questioned Bradley’s ability to win a general election. “I delivered Missouri to our party in two elections in a row, I’ll run on this administration’s record of bipartisan accomplishments, Senator Bradley will run on a record of supporting tax breaks for the rich, tax increases on the middle class, and supporting President Reagan’s cuts to medicare and education, I don’t see how that helps win a general election” Gephardt added. For his part, Bradley said he would “stay positive” and “not allow the establishment candidate to take me off message.”

December 10, 2003 - Endorsements in the pre-primary season
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Jeb Bush
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
George Bush, Former President of the United States
Dan Quayle, Former U.S. Vice President and presidential nominee in 1996 & 2000
Phil Gramm, U.S. Senator from Texas
James Baker, Former U.S. Secretary of State
Colin Powell, Retired General
Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator from Alaska
Bill McCollum, Governor of Florida
Carol A. Cambell Jr, Former Governor of South Carolina
J.C. Watts, Congressman from Oklahoma

Rudy Giuliani
Peter King, Congressman from New York
Tom Ridge, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
Pete Wilson, Former Governor of California
Lamar Alexander, U.S. Senator and Former Secretary of Education
Newt Gingrich, Former House Minority Leader
William Weld, Former Governor of Massachusetts
Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City
Susan Collins, U.S. Senator from Maine
Olympia Snowe, U.S. Senator from Maine

George Pataki
Al D'Amato, Former U.S. Senator from New York
Rick Lazio, Former Congressman from New York
John Engler, Former Governor of Michigan

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Bill Frist, U.S. Senate Minority Leader
Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator from Arizona
Judd Gregg, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Kit Bond, U.S. Senator from Missouri
Christie Todd Whitman, Former Governor of New Jersey
Elizabeth Dole, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Bob Dole, Former U.S. Senate Minority Leader
Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas

James Inholfe
Duncan Hunter, Congressman from California
Alan Keyes, Former U.N. Ambassador
Sam Brownback, U.S. Senator from Kansas

Tom Tancredo
Pat Buchanan, Former Presidential Adviser

Dick Gephardt
Joe Lieberman, President of the United States
Tom Daschle, U.S. Senate Majority Leader
Bob Holden Jr, Governor of Missouri
Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator from Iowa
Al Gore, U.S. Senator from Tennessee & 1992 Vice Presidential Nominee
Ross Perot, 1992 Independent Presidential Candidate
Ted Kennedy, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
Tom Vilsack, Governor of Iowa

Bill Bradley
Walter Mondale, Former U.S. Vice President &1984 Democratic Presidential Nominee
Jim Florio, Former Governor of New Jersey
Jon Corzine, U.S. Senator from New Jersey
Frank R. Lautenberg, U.S. Senator from New Jersey
Howard Dean, Governor of Vermont
Jesse Jackson, Reverend
Michael Jordan, NBA Player

Gary Hart
Bill Clinton, Former Governor of Arkansas & 1992 Democratic Presidential Nominee
Jimmy Carter, Former U.S. President
Zell Miller, U.S. Senator from Georgia

January 4, 2004 - Iowa Caucus: Bush, Gephardt secure victories
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DES MOINES, IA - Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush (R) and Vice President Dick Gephardt (D) each won their party's caucuses in Iowa. Garnering 35% of the vote, Bush finished well ahead of Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rudy Giuliani, who finished with 20% and 17% respectively. For his part, Gephardt defeated opponents Bill Bradley and Gary Hart 40%-30%-28% respectively.

January 11, 2004 - New Hampshire Primary: Bush wins, Gephardt barely beats Bradley
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CONCORD, NH - As expected, Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush defeated Rudy Giuliani 37%-31% to win New Hampshire's Republican Presidential Primary. On the Democratic side, however, Dick Gephardt defeated Bill Bradley by less than 7,000 votes - a surprisingly strong showing for Bradley, a favorite of the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

January 14, 2004 - Poll: Gephardt, Bradley race tightens as Bush, Giuliani break away from other GOP hopefuls
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GOP Nomination
Jeb Bush 38%
Rudy Giuliani 33%
Kay Bailey Hutchison 17%
George Pataki 7%
James Inholfe 3%
Tom Tancredo 1%
Other 1%

Democratic Nomination
Dick Gephardt 40%
Bill Bradley 37%
Gary Hart 21%
Other 1%

January 19, 2004 - Bush secures victories in Michigan, Delaware as Tancredo exits presidential race and Gephardt reclaims front-runner status
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DETRIOT, MI - Jeb Bush again won victories in his quest for the Republican Presidential Nomination. In Michigan’s primary, Bush defeated Rudy Giuliani and Kay Bailey Hutchison 39%-30%-19% respectively, and he defeated Giuliani 50%-37% in Delaware. On the Democratic side, Dick Gephardt defeated Bill Bradley and Gary Hart 34%-30%-29% in Michigan, and 40%-30%-29% in Delaware.

January 27, 2004 - Bush, Gephardt claim victory in South Carolina, Infolfe withdrawals
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CHARLESTON, SC - Republican Presidential Hopeful Jeb Bush won South Carolina’s Republican primary decisively, defeating opponent Kay Bailey Hutchison 51%-30% as Rudy Giuliani placed third with just 10% of the vote. Senator James Inholfe (R-OK) ended his campaign for president. On the Democratic side, Vice President Dick Gephardt had his strongest showing to date, defeating Bill Bradley and Gary Hart 47%-30%-22% respectively.

February 4, 2004 - Bush secures victories in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Wyoming as Gephardt, Bradley split victories, Hart ends presidential bid
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MIAMI BEACH, FL - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush secured victories in his home state of Florida, where he won 71% of the vote, in addition to defeating Rudy Giuliani, 41%-32% in Nevada, Kay Bailey Hutchison 45%-30% in Arizona, and Tom Tancredo 62%-25% in Wyoming. Dick Gephardt defeated Bill Bradley and Gary Hart 43%-30%-26% in Florida and 57%-25%-17% in Wyoming, as Bradley won Nevada and Arizona, defeating Gephardt and Hart 40%-39%-20% in Nevada and 37%-33%-29% in Arizona. Gary Hart ended his presidential bid.

February 9, 2004 - Super Tuesday 2004: All candidates secure some victories, Bush dominates as Gephardt & Bradley keep Democrats divided
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ATLANTA, GA - Voters in twelve states picked their candidates for the 2004 presidential election. On the Republican side, Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush dominated the field, winning 9 contests in Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, Maine, Tennessee, Washington, Alaska, North Dakota, and Illinois. Rudy Giuliani secured two victories in his home state of New York and neighbooring Connecticut. Kay Bailey Hutchison won Oklahoma's presidential primary. On the Democratic side, Dick Gephardt won 7 contests - in Georgia, Virginia, his home state of Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska, North Dakota, and Oklahoma as opponent Bill Bradley won 5 victories - in Maine, Illinois, New York, Connecticut, and Washington.

February 10, 2004 - Hutchison ends presidential bid
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DALLAS, TX - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, in third place in the presidential contest, announced she was ending her presidential bid.

February 16, 2004 - Bush, Gephardt claim victories in Idaho, North Carolina
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RALEIGH, NC - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush defeated Rudy Giuliani 67%-32% to win Idaho’s presidential primary. He also defeated Giuliani 61%-38% in North Carolina. Vice President Dick Gephardt won Idaho and North Carolina as well, defeating opponent Bill Bradley 50%-48% in Idaho and 50%-49% in North Carolina.

February 18, 2004 - Giuliani ends presidential bid, pledges to support Jeb Bush
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NEW YORK, NY - Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani ended his 2004 presidential campaign and pledged to support Jeb Bush for President. “Our campaign for the presidency was always about building a brighter future for our country. The principles we fought for will continue to be a part of the discussion our nation has over the next several years. I believe Governor Bush is now in a better position to lead our party into the fall given his advantage in delegates and popular votes. We placed second, but second obviously isn’t first. Today, I end my presidential campaign, and I will be supporting Governor Bush because he has the record and vision to lead our country” Giuliani stated.

Jeb Bush becomes Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee
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“Today, we can claim with confidence that I will be our nominee for President. This is a moment of uncertainty for our country. Our economy has lost over a million jobs in the last year, government spending has increased at nearly double the rate of inflation, and the middle east is in tremendous turmoil. I am confident that with the right policies, we can move our country in a hopeful direction. In Florida, we took on tough issues - we changed our education system, reduced taxes and the size of government, enacted sweeping medical liability reform, and protected our air and water. Prior to that experience, I was in the private sector where I learned about innovation and how jobs are created. I believe that my experience, the values we all stand for, and our hopeful vision for the future will enable us to lead this nation in a new direction. If we reduce taxes, reduce the regulatory burden of the federal government, change our health care system to benefit consumers and not bureaucrats, promote free trade, end our dependence on foreign sources of energy, reform our education system, and change our immigration system to promote economic based immigration, our economy will flourish and our government will be leaner, yet better able to meet our obligations to our seniors, veterans, our children, and the most vulnerable in our society. At the same time, America must continue to be what it always has - a leader in promoting freedom and justice in this world. Working together, and putting aside our differences, we can move this country in a more hopeful direction, and I hope you’ll join me” - Jeb Bush, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee

Talk Elections

Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion => Election What-ifs? => Topic started by: dudeabides on March 10, 2015, 09:57:06 PM