1996: Pete Wilson vs. Zell Miller vs. Jim Jeffords

[Alexander Hamilton]

1996, open seat following two terms of a President Dukakis.

Pete Wilson of California wins the primary over Bob Dole and Steve Forbes and Phil Gramm.

Zell Miller, one term Governor of Georgia, declines to run for re-election and begins campaign for President. He defeats Howard Dean of Vermont in the primary.

Jim Jeffords runs as an Independent due to the relative conservatism of the candidates and lack of New Englander on either ticket.


Pete Wilson (R-CA)/John Warner (R-VA)
Zell Miller (D-GA)/Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Jim Jeffords (R-VT)/Jim Leach (R-IA)

[Alexander Hamilton]

How well did Dukakis's presidency end up?

He had a 41% approval rating upon leaving office.

1994-elected House and Senate composition:

House 240 (R) to 198 (D)

Senate 56 (R) to 44 (D)

[Alexander Hamilton]

Georgia held gubernatorial election in 1994 not 1996, so Miler did not have to retire

Um, Miller ran significantly to the right in his 1994 re-election bid. He did not have to do so in this scenario, allowing him to win the Dem primary as a centrist instead of center-right candidate,