The Death of a Strategist: 1988 and Beyond Altered.

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This is a story about how the death of a single political strategist will alter the 1988 Presidential election and beyond. The cast of characters will be familiar, but they will have different roles. Several of the politicians of today are in power simply because they got lucky, and will not have such luck in this timeline. Others, who in real life were unlucky, will find themselves as Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and leaders in Congress. Although some may find this timeline ridiculous, we must remember that real life politics is often just as or even more ridiculous.


March 28, 1988: Lee Atwater Dies after a Short Battle with Cancer.

On March 28, 1988, the political strategist Lee Atwater died after a short battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. It was only a year earlier that Atwater collapsed at a public library and was first diagnosed. Although he took the diagnosis bravely, he was publicly disappointed that he was not able to participate in the 1988 Presidential election. Friends remember him as a devoted political consultant as well as a talented musician. Others were critical of his extremely negative form of campaigning and were suspicious or even disgusted by it. It is unknown whether his strategies would help current Vice President George H.W. Bush in his campaigning for the Presidency. It is only March, and the Vice President already trails presumptive nominee Governor Michael Dukakis by 10 points in the latest national poll….

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March 28, 1988. Representative Gephardt and Senator Dole quit race.

Despite each winning the Iowa caucuses, both Representative Gephardt and Senator Dole have ended their campaigns for the White House. Senator Dole, although supportive of Reagan, has private doubts that Vice President Bush can win the election in November.

April 24, 1988: Gore quits race.

Senator Al Gore has quit his campaign for the White House, bowing to reality that Governor Dukakis will likely be the nominee of the Democratic Party. Says Gore: "There will be other days for me and for the causes that matter to us."

May 3, 1988: White House Acknowledges that First Lady Nancy Reagan Relied on Astrologers.

For the first time, the White House has acknowledged that the First Lady, Nancy Reagan, used the advice of astrologers to help influence her husband's schedule. This is yet another complication in Bush's campaign to focus on Michael Dukakis instead of the negative stories about the Reagan administration. It seems that each time the Bush campaign seeks to raise questions about the capabilities and positions of Governor Dukakis, some distracting event comes from the White House. The Bush campaign finds themselves playing defense more than they would prefer, and the members of the campaign disagree on how best to challenge Dukakis.

June 7, 1988 Dukakis clinches the nomination.

Governor Michael Dukakis has officially won the Democratic nomination for President, by defeating the Rev. Jesse Jackson in the New Jersey, California, Montana and New Mexico primaries. Current national polls have Dukakis with a good lead, 52-44. Michael Dukakis privately is considering Dick Gephardt and Senator Gore, along with Senator Lloyd Bentsen, to be his running mate.

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June 12, 1988: Bush Campaign at odds over Willie Horton issue.
Several members of the campaign are aware of the Willie Horton issue, but others are suspicious of this idea as they believe it relies too much on racial fears. Eventually they dismiss it, as they believe that Dukakis’ positions are liberal enough to use. These discussions, however, is news on its own, and suddenly the name of Willie Horton is introduced to the country.
(The Point of Divergence: With no Lee Atwater alive to work on the Bush campaign, there was less negative research, and so the Willie Horton controversy was not introduced by the Bush campaign, but rather by the media. This is significant because since the media is highlighting the matter now, as opposed to the Bush campaign emphasizing it later in the year, Dukakis is worried enough to bring back John Sasso now, when in reality he did not bring him until Labor Day. In real life, the Bush campaign used Willie Horton so much that by Labor Day, Dukakis was behind Bush by double digits. With John Sasso back, the Dukakis campaign is better prepared and with no Lee Atwater, the Bush campaign does not use the negative ads that would air that October.)

June 15, 1988: Dukakis Campaign brings Back John Sasso.
After being forced to resign from the Dukakis campaign after revealing that Senator Biden plagiarized a speech, John Sasso has returned to become the Dukakis campaign manager. He replaces Susan Estrich, who although a Harvard Law Professor, has had no previous experience in managing a campaign. Sasso’s return is believed to be the result of the past few days of news of Willie Norton.

June 18, 1988: Dukakis seeks to link Bush to Iran-Contra Scandal
After days of the furlough controversy in the news, Dukakis decides to confront the matter head-on in an interview. Michael Dukakis: “The furlough program was originally created by my predecessor, Governor Francis Sargent, who happened to be a Republican. Now what happened with Willie Horton was a mistake, no question about it, but the furloughs are 99 percent effective. The Bush campaign is saying that this one mistake is entirely my fault, and I should be blamed for continuing a Republican-created program. Let’s focus on what I as Governor was directly involved with, and what Vice President Bush was directly involved with. The truth is that Vice President Bush was more responsible for Iran-Contra that I was for Willie Horton.”

June 30, 1988: Dukakis and Bush duel over Willie Horton and Iran-Contra
The two presidential campaigns appear to have focused mainly on who was more responsible for each respective controversial issue, the furloughs of Massachusetts or the Iran-Contra scandal. Voters are tired of hearing of both, and wish to focus back on the issues. After a few days of debating, the Bush campaign decides to stop overtly mentioning the Willie Horton controversy. It has prevented Dukakis from gaining support, but it has lowered support of Bush as a result. Polls have Dukakis stable, but Bush has dropped 4 points: 52-40. The new goal of the Bush campaign: Portray Dukakis as a Massachusetts liberal who is too far-left for the country.

July 10, 1988 Gore, Bentsen, Gephardt believed to be on Dukakis’ List
At Dukakis’ headquarters:
Sasso: “We’re down to the last three, Bentsen, Gore, and Gephardt. Bentsen will give you gravitas and help in the South. Gore will help with the south and the youth. Gephardt helps with the youth, the unions and the Midwest.”
Dukakis: “Out of those three, Bentsen is most experienced. It’s harder to see the other two matching up.”
Sasso: “Yea but the other two are younger and new, that’ll excite more people”
Another campaign worker adds in: “But Bentsen helps you look more Presidential.”
Sasso: “Wait a minute! Why should Bentsen help him with appearing presidential? He’s supposed to already be presidential! No offense sir, but one of the criticisms we have, is your personality. Governor, we’re winning, we could use more excitement.”
Dukakis: “You’re right. I don’t need an old Senator to help me; I can stand on my own. Well, it looks like it’s either Gore or Gephardt.”
Sasso: “Well which one?”
Dukakis: “I’m not sure, I’ll have to think about it some more”

The others in the room sigh quietly as Dukakis leaves the room. They privately are all annoyed by the way Dukakis tends to overanalyze each question. They don’t have an overall preference between Gore and Gephardt, both of their pros and cons appear to be similar.

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July 12, 1988: Dukakis Chooses Dick Gephardt as His Running Mate!

Governor Dukakis has selected Representative Dick Gephardt of Missouri to be his running mate. Representative Gephardt is forty-seven years old and has been a member of Congress since 1977. He has had a history of being strongly pro-life, but recently told the National Right to Life Committee; "I now do not support any Constitutional amendment pertaining to the legality of abortion." Although there is some grumbling by pro-choice groups, there simultaneously appears to be more support of Dukakis among pro-life Reagan Democrats. In addition, the Dukakis campaign hopes that Gephardt's presence on the ticket can help swing the Midwest, especially Missouri and Illinois.

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July 21, 1988: Dukakis Accepts Nomination

Governor Michael Dukakis has accepted the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party.
He is introduced by Bill Clinton, who speaks for far too long and is almost booed of the stage. It is the only flaw in the evening. Dukakis speech is uplifting, hopeful, and in a change in tone, dramatic.

An excerpt of his nomination speech:

“Yes, my friends, it's a time for wonderful new beginnings.
A little baby.
A new Administration.
A new era of greatness for America.
And when we leave here tonight, we will leave to build that future together!”

After he finishes, he welcomes the cheers, heads backstage and walks to his campaign manager. Dukakis is filled with energy.

Dukakis: “How was it?!”
Sasso: “Perfect, Governor, you came out looking clear and strong.”
Dukakis: “Ah, I felt it. Probably because of my great introduction.”
Sasso: “Hahaha!”
Dukakis: “Who was that weirdo?!”
Sasso: “Bill Clinton, the Governor of Arkansas. He won’t amount to a thing, trust me.”

Hotel Room Revelations.

Returning back to his hotel room, Bill Clinton contemplates his future. He changed his mind about running this year and has regretted it for months. He knows his speech bombed, and Dukakis is likely to win the presidency. If he is elected, Dukakis is very unlikely to decline to run for reelection in 1992.  Bill Clinton realizes that it will be 1996 before he can ever run for President. But hey, he’s only forty-one. He’s got an election up in 1990, and should he win and begin serving that term in 1991, he would serve until 1995. That’s a lot of time to make change in Arkansas, he thinks. He discusses the situation with his wife, Hillary and makes a decision. He’ll run for reelection in 1990, but that will be his last term. Once he’s out of office in 1995, he’ll have a head start on any other Democratic candidate. In 1996, he could be the “Arkansas miracle.”


In his own hotel room, Senator Al Gore has reached the same conclusion, that it will be 1996 before he can try again. He’ll be older than, he knows he was too young now. “But will Gephardt run?” he wonders? It’ll be tough to beat a Vice-President but he realizes that absent another Jesse Jackson run, he’ll be the only candidate from the south.

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August 16, 1988: George Bush Chooses Dan Quayle!

George H.W. Bush has selected Indiana Senator Dan Quayle to be his running mate.

August 18, 1988: Bush Accepts Nomination.

George H.W. Bush has accepted the presidential nomination of the Republican Party.

September 14, 1988: A Photo-Op Rejected.
A member of Dukakis’ campaign suggests that the Governor should stage a photo op with him in a tank, but it is rejected by Sasso since Dukakis has a lead in the polls and does not want to do anything drastic. In addition, he does not want to mock a World War II veteran. “Just focus on Bush, don’t change yourself” Sasso advises.

October 1, 1988: Bush’s Situation.
George Bush knows he’s in trouble and his campaign is running out of ideas. The debates were mostly a draw, and that’s not what he needs. Current polls have Dukakis up 49-42. Bush’s campaign manager suggests bringing up Willie Horton again, but the others disagree. It will sound so desperate, so racial, and so negative that it will only backfire. It is beneath them.

November 7th 1988: The Discovery of Sally Atwater.
The widow of Lee Atwater, Sally, has almost finished sorting through her late husband’s papers. She comes upon a paper listing his notes on the 1988 election. In it, her husband has described his approach for the campaign:

“1. Portray Dukakis as a far-left Democrat out of touch with America.
2. He supported furloughs from prison for convicts. Mention Willie Horton!
3. Dukakis has no foreign policy or national security experience, emphasize this.
Most important: Create and distribute negative television commercials that highlight these faults.”

Sally Atwater reads this paper and compares it with what the almost inept Bush campaign has accomplished. They have portrayed Dukakis as far-left but people don’t seem to care. Willie Horton backfired. Dukakis lack of foreign policy experience has been ignored because of his service as Governor. The “Massachusetts Miracle” was too strong to overcome. Sally remembered the repeating commercial boasting that the National Governors Association voted Dukakis the most effective governor in 1986. She wishes her husband had just one more year to help the Bush campaign. But she is tired of feeling sad, so she dismisses the dream.

Back at Bush campaign headquarters, the Vice President and Senator Quayle are upbeat, but after they leave, the campaign workers are subdued, and hope for a miracle tomorrow…

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November 8, 1988: Michael Dukakis Elected President!

Governor Michael Dukakis has been elected as the 41st President of the United States, defeating Vice-President George H.W. Bush, 53% to 47%. In a race that was difficult from the beginning, George Bush was unable to stop the Dukakis message of change after eight years of Ronald Reagan. Dick Gephardt will take office as the nation’s Vice-President, at only forty-seven years old. He is a young leader of the Democratic Party, representing the hopes of the Midwest and the labor movement.

The Last section of President-Elect Michael Dukakis’ speech:

“And one of the things that I'm proudest of in this campaign is the thousands and thousands of young people who are involved. I don't want you to be discouraged; I want you to be encouraged by what you've done in this campaign. I hope many of you will go into politics and public service. It is a noble profession, a noble profession.

I remember what my dad used to say to me over and over again. Much has been given to you, and much is expected of you. Much has been given to the young people of this country. The opportunity to live and grow up in the greatest nation on the face of this earth. And you have a responsibility to give something back.

Our hearts are full, we love you all, we love this country, and we're going to continue to fight with you and the American people so that every citizen of this country can be a full shareholder in the American dream.

Thank you all very much.”

The Electoral Map:

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November 8, 1988 Democrats gain in Senate and House.
Adding to the Democratic Party’s Presidential victory, the Democrats gained 4 seats in the Senate and 18 in the House of Representatives. Previously, the Democrats has 54 in the Senate, they will now have 58. In the House, they previously had 258 and the Republicans 177, now the Democrats will have 278 and the Republicans 157.

Democrats + 4

Seat Changes in the Senate:
Connecticut: Republican Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. lost re-election 47.0% to Democrat Joe Lieberman 51.7%.

Mississippi: The seat held by retiring Democrat John C. Stennis was gained by Republican Trent Lott 53.1%, defeating Democrat Wayne Dowdy 46.9%.

Nebraska: Republican David Karnes lost re-election 41.7% to Democrat Bob Kerrey 56.7%.

Nevada: Republican Chic Hecht lost re-election 47.1% to Democrat Richard Bryan 51.3%.

Virginia: The seat held by retiring Republican Paul S. Trible, Jr.  was gained by Democrat Chuck Robb 71.2%, defeating Republican Maurice A. Dawkins 28.8%.

In Real life:
In Florida Republican Connie Mack defeated Buddy MacKay and captured a Democratic seat.
In Montana, Democrat John Melcher lost re-election to Republican Conrad Burns.
In Washington, Republican Slade Gordon kept the seat of a retiring Republican and it was kept, as opposed to Democrat Mike Lowry gaining it.

But because of Dukakis’ win, I have reversed these three outcomes, and so:
In Florida: Buddy McKay, and not Connie Mack becomes Florida’s next Senator
In Montana: John Melcher keeps his seat against Conrad Burns.
In Washington Mike Lowry defeats Slade Gordon.

As a result, instead of the Democrats gaining 1 seat in the Senate, they gain 4 seats. And instead of only gaining 2 seats in the House, they gain 18 seats.

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You should do one as if he didn't have cancer. He probably could have defeated Clinton, he was preparing for him to be the nominee right after the '88 election.

That does sound like a good idea... Bush defeats Clinton in 92. I should do that one after I finish this.

This is my first timeline and I'm still figuring out my style, so it may change later on. I have it drafted up until 2000 so far.

Sneak peeks: The 1996 Democratic Primary will be very interesting, there will be a formation of a third major party in the 90s, and there will be a preemptive war just like Iraq, except it won't be in Iraq, and it will take place in the 90s.

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December 10th, 1988: President Elect Dukakis Announces Cabinet Choices.
A few figures from the Carter Administration, most notably former Vice President Walter Mondale, combined with a diverse group of individuals compose the President-Elect's Cabinet.

Secretary of State: Walter F. Mondale, the former Vice President of the United States.
Secretary of Treasury: E. Gerald Corrigan, the current president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank
Secretary of Defense: William Perry, Undersecretary of Defense for research and engineering during the Carter Administration
Attorney General: Susan Estrich, Harvard law professor, the first woman in history to head the Justice Department
Secretary of the Interior: Bruce Babbitt, former Governor of Arizona.
Secretary of Agriculture: James Allen "Jim" Hightower, Agriculture Commissioner of Texas
Secretary of Commerce: William M. Daley, Vice Chairman of the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago
Secretary of Labor: Eleanor Holmes Norton, Georgetown University law professor who was commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the Carter Administration.
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Massachusetts health commissioner
Secretary of Education: Mary Hatwood Futrell, president of the National Education Assn
Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development: Henry Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio, Texas.
Secretary of Transportation: Federico Peña, the Mayor of Denver.
Secretary of Energy: Charles Duncan, Jr., former Secretary of Energy during the Carter Administration.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Jesse Brown, Deputy National Service Director of the Disabled American Veterans.

In addition, President-Elect has fulfilled a campaign promise by raising the Environmental Protection Agency to Cabinet status

Secretary of Environmental Protection: Douglas M. Costle, former EPA administrator during the Carter Administration.

I used this article http://articles.latimes.com/1988-07-21/news/mn-9216_1_cabinet-officers for most choices, moved up some Clinton choices, and brought back a few old Carter choices.

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January 3, 1989: The 101st Congress Begins
The 101st Congress has begun, with Democrats holding both houses of Congress. These are the major leadership positions:

The Senate:

Senate Majority Leader: George Mitchell
Senate Majority Whip: Alan Cranston

Senate Minority Leader: Bob Dole
Senate Minority Whip: Alan Simpson


The House:

Speaker: Jim Wright

Majority Leader: Tom Foley
Majority Whip: Tony Coelho

Minority Leader: Robert Michel
Minority Whip: Dick Cheney


January 20, 1989: President Michael Dukakis Inaugurated
Michael Dukakis has taken office as the 41st President of the United States. He is the first Greek-American to hold this office, and the first Democrat since Jimmy Carter. With a Democratic-controlled Congress, it is a new opportunity for Democratic Party.

Jan 27, 1989: President Dukakis Disagrees with Congress’ Pay Raise.
Today President Dukakis held an informal White House news conference in which he opposed a widely criticized pay raise for Congress scheduled to go into effect the following month. Polls show that the overwhelming majority of the public oppose the pay raise.

Feb 7, 1989: Congress kills the Pay Raise Increase.
Bowing to public outrage, both US houses of Congress have voted to kill their scheduled 51 percent pay increase. Privately, some Democratic members of Congress are disappointed that the President stood in opposition to them so quickly in his term.

Apr 13, 1989: Speaker Wright Defends Himself
US House Speaker Jim Wright delivered an emotional defense of his conduct against ethics charges, declaring he would "fight to the last ounce of conviction and energy" he possessed. This is quickly turning into a political scandal, and Republicans in Congress are eagerly awaiting the report from the US House Ethics Committee. President Dukakis is frustrated by this distraction and hopes it ends soon so Congress can enact his agenda.

Apr 17, 1989: Report Finds Speaker Wright Violated House Rules.
The US House Ethics Committee released its report accusing Speaker Jim Wright of violating House rules on the acceptance of gifts and outside income -- charges denied by the Texas Democrat. The report implies that he had used bulk purchases of his book, Reflections of a Public Man, to earn speaking fees in excess of the allowed maximum, and that his wife, Betty, was given a job and perks to avoid the limit on gifts. Minority Leader Robert Michel and Minority Whip Dick Cheney have called for Wright to resign. There is a refusal on the Democrats’ side to join in denying the accusations.

May 11, 1989: President Dukakis Rules Out Military Option in Panama
President Dukakis has stated that he will not use military force in Panama. “It is not the interest of the United States to use military action in Panama. As we have seen in Vietnam, the United States should avoid military action unless is it absolutely necessary. I am sending Secretary of State Walter Mondale to Panama to meet with Noriega to discuss the situation.” In Panama, the government of Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega announced it had nullified the country's elections, which independent observers said the opposition had won by a 3-1 margin.

May 12, 1989: Democrats and Republicans Split on President’s Panama Decision.
The Democrats and Republicans each are split on President Dukakis’ refusal to use military action in Panama. With the Democrats, many anti-war liberals have applauded the President’s decision, while some southern conservative Democrats are disappointed. In the Republican Party, there is also a split, with many reluctant to focus on a foreign issue when the Speaker Wright scandal is lowering the public’s support of Democrats. Others, mainly of the neoconservatives are outraged. One of the strongest opinions was that of Minority Leader Dick Cheney, who has stated that “when Americans abroad are in danger, and democracy is at threat, the United States must act in any way possible.”

May 31, 1989: Speaker Wright Resigns.
Faced with an increasing loss of effectiveness, Wright tendered his resignation, the resignation to become effective on the selection of a successor. He is the first Speaker to resign because of a scandal.

June 6, 1989: Democrats Select Thomas Foley as Speaker.
In Washington, DC, the Democratic Caucus brought Wright's speakership to an end by selecting his replacement, Thomas Foley of Washington, to be elected the 49th speaker of the House of Representatives. There is also heavy speculation that Majority Whip Tony Coelho will resign following press reports that he had received a loan from a savings and loan executive to purchase junk bonds.

June 14, 1989: Democrats Choose William Gray as Minority Leader.
Following a vacancy in the Majority Leader’s position, and the likely resignation of Majority Whip Tony Coelho, the US House Democrats have chosen William Gray to be majority leader, the highest leadership position in Congress held by an African American and Steny Hoyer to be majority whip.

July 1, 1989: Democrats Suffer in New Polls.
Following the ethics charges and resignation of their Speaker, combined with the resignation of their Majority Whip, the Democratic Party has sharply decreased in polls as a result. The Generic Congressional Vote Poll shows 50% Republican and 43% Democrat.

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This is great! Does the Dukakis administration have any major domestic policy pushes ahead?

Curses I completely forgot about that! Well let's assume that any major legislation was delayed until the Speaker Wright scandal had ended. I'm drafting it right now, it looks very good for the working class and labor unions, very bad for neoconservatives on defense policy, and too socially liberal for 1989.

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I take it you've read Richard Ben Cramer's 'What it Takes: The Way to the White House'. Good, isn't it?

I have yet to read it but it does look interesting.

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July 9, 1989: The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989
This is a United States federal law enacted in the wake of the savings and loan crisis. Growth is still slow and expected to take months if not years.

July 16th, 1989: Ban on Capital Punishment Signed into Law
President Dukakis has signed into law banning capital punishment in the United States. The reaction on the right is disappointment but surprisingly not as angry as some expected.

July 25th, 1989: Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act Signed Into Law
President Dukakis has signed into law the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which institutes federal background checks on firearm purchases on the United States. The act is named after James Brady, who was shot by John Hinckley, Jr. during an attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. The NRA is strongly opposed to this law, along with many Republicans.

August 3, 1989: National Defense Reorganization Act Signed Into Law
After a close vote, President Dukakis has signed the National Defense Reorganization Act Signed into law. This law is very controversial among neoconservatives, as the law reduces defense spending by eliminating or reducing many defense programs. Among those affected: The Midgetman Missile, the Trident Submarine, the testing of and deployment of anti-satellite weapons and the development of new aircraft carriers. Minority Leader Cheney is outraged, and denounces the President on the House floor as allowing the Soviets to gain an advantage. “For the first time, the President has decided that competition with the Soviet Union is not important, and our security is not essential to our survival.

August 10, 1989: Dukakis Administration Calls South Africa a Terrorist State
The Dukakis Administration has officially labeled the country of South Africa a terrorist state, and has released a statement calling for the end of racism and beginning open elections.

August 14, 1989. Portions of Reagan Tax Cuts Reversed.
Several of the Reagan Tax Cuts are no more. In a new law, the changes in taxes that the Reagan tax cuts enacted have been reversed. The top rate has returned to 70% from 50%, the 10% exclusion on income for two-earner married couples has been removed, among others. Polls on the reversal: 55% in favor 42% in opposed. President Dukakis refuses to rule out new federal taxes in the rest of his Presidency.

September 5, 1989 National Minimum Wage Act Signed Into Law
President Dukakis signed into a law an increase of the minimum wage from $3.35 to 5.00. This bill is highly popular with the public and appears to be one of the few examples of legislation that is uncontroversial.

Sep 25, 1989 President Dukakis at UN Makes Offer to Reduce Nuclear Weapons.
President Dukakis, addressing the UN General Assembly, offers to slash American stocks of chemical weapons by more than 80%, provided the Soviets did the same. In real life, President Bush did this.

Oct 11, 1989 President Dukakis Signs Bill That Restores Medicaid for Select Abortions
President Dukakis has signed an appropriations bill that contains an amendment that will restore Medicaid for abortions in cases of rape or incest. There is outrage on Christian Right, realizing that a portion of Medicaid will now be used to fund some types of abortions.
In real life, President Bush vetoed this bill.

November 6, 1989. First Lady Hospitalized
Kitty Dukakis, wife of Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, was hospitalized after ingesting rubbing alcohol.

November 7, 1989: Democrats keep Governor’s seats in VA and NJ
Democrat L. Douglas Wilder won the governor's race in Virginia, becoming the first elected black governor in US history. In addition, Democrat James Florio has been elected Governor of New Jersey.

November 9, 1989 Berlin Wall Breaks
The Berlin Wall is broke open. Communist East Germany throws open its borders, allowing citizens to travel freely to the West.

November 17, 1989 Senate Investigation Begins.
The Senate Ethics Committee investigation began of the Keating Five, Alan Cranston (D-CA), Dennis DeConcini (D-AZ), John Glenn (D-OH), John McCain (R-AZ), and Donald W. Riegle, Jr. (D-MI), who were accused of improperly intervening in 1987 on behalf of Charles H. Keating, Jr., chairman of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. Since 4 out of the 5 are Democrats, this only decreases the approval rating of the Democratic Party.

November 22, 1989 Republicans Surge in Approval But Dukakis Holds.
Average Congressional Vote: 55% Republican, 38% Democrat. Approval of Dukakis is at 52%, Disapproval 43%. Dukakis is very polarizing with high approval with liberals and low approval with conservatives.

December 31, 1989. The State of Politics at the end of 1989.
The economy is still stagnant as a result of the Savings and Loan crisis. The Keating Senate Investigation, combined with the resignation of Speaker Wright, has absolutely eroded support for the Democrats in Congress. The Keating Senate Investigation seems to create the message: “Corrupt Democrats in Congress are causing the Poor Economy.” The Republicans are energized due to anger over the defense cuts and Medicaid support for select abortions. It is almost certain that they will gain many seats in the 1990 midterm election. However, due to the high number of seats that the Democrats currently occupy, it is also unlikely that either the Senate or House will be gained by the Republicans. President Dukakis approval is 52% and his disapproval 41%. His highest approval is on domestic economic policy, with support for increasing the minimum wage and higher taxes on the wealthy. On social issues, the President is highly polarizing, with liberals strong in favor, and conservatives strongly opposed. On foreign policy, it is a mixed view. Although President Dukakis pledges support for democracy, he refused to intervene in Panama and determined to use military action as a last resort. His reduction in the defense budget is likely to create a surplus in the next year, but many conservatives and including many moderates are asking at what cost? With tumultuous events in Eastern Europe and China, it appears the President’s and Secretary of State’s strategy is to avoid involvement in other situations that are ultimately beneficial to the United States. Still, to many Americans, and indeed many other countries, the President’s inactions appear too passive. With the generic congressional vote at 56 Republicans, 37 Democrats, President Dukakis has two choices. He can attempt to appear above the fray of Congress and increase his own approval, or he can work with Congress to enact popular legislation to improve their popularity. It is clear that their two fortunes are linked. As soon as Congress reconvenes in the new year, the Democrats will begin work on their newest major legislation, a universal health insurance plan…

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February 13th, 1990 Universal Health Insurance Plan Signed into Law
A Universal Health Insurance Plan has been signed into law, which ensures that all Americans will now have health insurance. This bill requires most employers to provide basic health care plans to their workers, and there is an exception for small businesses. Although many conservatives are calling this plan “socialized medicine,” it is very similar to a 1971 proposal by President Richard Nixon. Polls on the Dukakis Health Care Plan: 54% Approve, 40% Disapprove.

“The Dukakis proposal is similar to a Massachusetts law, now being phased in, which mandates a minimum dollar amount of employer-provided benefits in 1992.”

“Dukakis presents prenatal care for the poor as a good economic decision that would minimize the problems of babies who require very expensive treatment. Dukakis` prenatal care plan will attempt to combine the liberal virtue of helping the poor, the conservative virtue of saving money and the image of being ‘pro-family.’”

“The $100 million program will also provide physician and hospital care to underinsured and uninsured pregnant women. President Dukakis claims it would pay for itself within a year.

These quotes were taken from an article about Dukakis’s health care plan in 1988, but then slightly altered to show the plan in this timeline.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1988-09-23/news/8802010593_1_prenatal-care-health-care-record-on-health-issues

March 3, 1990: Health Care Law Fails to Improve Democrats
Despite the passage of a health care law that provides health insurance to almost all Americans, polls show that the Democrats have not yet recovered from the Speaker Wright scandal and the resignation of Majority Whip Tony Coelho. Generic Congressional Vote: 52% Republican, 40% Democrat.

April 26, 1990: Americans with Disabilities Act Signed into Law.
The American with Disabilities Act has been signed into law. The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability.

June 4, 1990: Infrastructure Act of 1990 Signed into Law
The Infrastructure Act of 1990 has been signed into law. This law will increase funding for roads, highways, and public transportation.

June 20, 1990: The Education Act of 1990 Signed into Law
The Education Act of 1990 has been signed into law. This law increases funding for schools nationwide, but more importantly, will provide many forms of financial assistance to almost all college students.

July 23rd, 1990. CIA Reports Iraq Troops On Kuwait Border.
The CIA has reported that Iraq had moved 30,000 troops to the Iraq-Kuwait border, and the U.S. naval fleet in the Persian Gulf is placed on alert.

July 25, 1990 Secretary of State Mondale Arrives in Iraq.
President Dukakis does not want another situation that calls for the United States to get involved, like Panama, and so has sent Secretary of State Walter Mondale to meet with Saddam Hussein.

One of the main rationales for Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait was that Kuwait was slant drilling (non-vertically drilling) into the Rumaila Oil Field, which is within Iraqi borders.

There was an Iraqi demand for $10 billion to cover the lost revenues from Rumaila Oil Field; the Kuwaiti's bullish response was to offer $9 billion, so as not to give Saddam everything he wanted.

July 29, 1990 Saddam Hussein takes Offer, Mondale Applauded for Diplomacy.
Secretary of State Mondale has successfully convinced Hussein to take the offer of $9 billion from Kuwait. There will be no war in the Persian Gulf.

In real life, Saddam Hussein met with Ambassador April Glaspie and possibly misunderstood her:
A version of the transcript (the one published in The New York Times on 23 September 1990) has Glaspie saying:
“But we have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait. I was in the American Embassy in Kuwait during the late 1960s. The instruction we had during this period was that we should express no opinion on this issue and that the issue is not associated with America. James Baker has directed our official spokesmen to emphasize this instruction. We hope you can solve this problem using any suitable methods via Klibi (Chedli Klibi, Secretary General of the Arab League) or via President Mubarak. All that we hope is that these issues are solved quickly.”

When these purported transcripts were made public, Glaspie was accused of having given tacit approval for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, which took place on August 2, 1990. It was argued that Glaspie's statements that "We have no opinion on your Arab-Arab conflicts" and that "the Kuwait issue is not associated with America" were interpreted by Saddam as giving free rein to handle his disputes with Kuwait as he saw fit. It was also argued that Saddam would not have invaded Kuwait had he been given an explicit warning that such an invasion would be met with force by the United States.

August 18, 1990: Oil Pollution Act Signed into Law.
The Oil Pollution Act, written in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, will mitigate and prevent civil liability from the future oil spills off the coast of the United States. The law stated that companies must have a "plan to prevent spills that may occur" and have a "detailed containment and cleanup plan" for oil spills.

September 10, 1990 Senate Investigation Finds Senators McCain and Glenn Cleared.
The Senate Investigation on the Keating Scandal has found Senators Glenn and McCain cleared of impropriety. Senators Cranston, DeConcini, and Riegle are still under investigation. But Senators Glenn and McCain will no longer be part of the investigation.

In real life, they continued to be part of the investigation, most likely because Democrats wanted at least one Republican under investigation. Republicans in response, added Senator Glenn to the investigation. But in this timeline, because there are much more Democrats in the Senate, McCain is even more bipartisan than he was in real life (at this point) and so is not kept in the investigation.

[retromike22]

In this TL, will 1990 be the Democrats 1994?

Good timeline, btw.

It's be somewhat similar, but it'll be more Anti-Democrats in Congress than Anti-Democratic President.

[retromike22]

October 2, 1990 Amalya Kearse Confirmed to the Supreme Court, first Black Female on Court.
The US Senate voted 85-to-14 to confirm the nomination of Judge Amalya Lyle Kearse to the Supreme Court, replacing retiring Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. She is the first black woman on the Supreme Court of the United States. She is 51 years old and has served as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since 1979.

October 3, 1990 Germany Reunited (and it feels so good!)
West Germany and East Germany have ended 45 years of postwar division, declaring the creation of a new unified country.

October 6, 1990. Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke Captures Senate Seat.
In a three way race that captured most of the nation’s attention, former Grand Wizard of the KKK David Duke has been elected as the next Senator from Louisiana. The unlikeliness of this outcome has been credited to Louisiana’s jungle primary. David Duke, running as a Republican received 34% of the vote, incumbent Democrat Bennett Johnson received 32%, and State Senator Republican Ben Bagart received 31%. Ben Bagart was endorsed by the Louisiana Republican Party, as well as almost all national Republicans.

In real life, Ben Bagart dropped out right before the election to guarantee that Duke was not elected. But since the environment is so anti-Democratic, Bagart assumes that he will win easily. In real life, Duke received 43.51 percent of the vote to Johnston's 53.93 percent.

October 8, 1990 Republican Party Will Not Include Duke in Caucus.
Despite the win yesterday of David Duke as the Republican Senator from Louisiana, the Republican Senate caucus has voted to not include him in their caucus. The only vote against this was that of Jesse Helms of North Carolina. Americans overwhelmingly support the Republican Party’s decision to not include him in their caucus.

October 10, 1990. Duke Announces He Will Serve as an Independent.
Abandoning his attempts to join the Republican caucus, David Duke has changed his party affiliation to an independent. Minority Leader Bob Dole: “We don’t want him in our party, plain and simple. That’s not what our party stands for, and it’s not what America stands for.”

November 6, 1990: Republicans Gain in Congress, but Democrats Keep Control
In the Midterm election of 1990, the Republican Party has gained seats in Congress, but not enough to gain control. Although this was seen as a goal by many on the right, the truth was that the large number of Democratic seats held made any attempt to change control impossible. In the Senate, the Republicans gained 3 seats, and a Democratic seat was gained by Independent David Duke in last month’s Louisiana jungle primary. Before this year’s changes, the Democrats held 58 seats and the Republicans held 42 seats. Next year’s Senate will have 55 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and 1 Independent. Although Republicans attempted to nationalize the election, many of the Senate Democrats that were up for election were individually popular and the map was just too difficult. For Democrats, they were unable to gain any Republican seats, and the only real possibility was in Minnesota, where challenger Paul Wellstone was unable to defeat incumbent Senator Rudy Boschwitz.

Rep +3 and Ind +1

Seat Changes in the Senate:
In Hawaii, Daniel Akaka, the Democratic Interim appointee elected to finish the term, lost to Republican Pat Saiki.
In Iowa, Democrat Tom Harkin lost to Republican Tom Tauke.
In Louisiana last month, Republican David Duke defeated incumbent Bennett Johnson Jr. But because of the Republican’s party refusal to accept him, Duke has changed his party to Independent.
In New Jersey, Bill Bradley lost re-election to Republican Christine Todd Whitman.

Changes from Real Life:
Daniel Akaka kept his seat and was not defeated by Pat Saiki
Tom Harkin kept his seat and was not defeated by Tom Tauke
Rudy Boschwitz kept his seat and was not defeated by Paul Wellstone.
Bill Bradley kept his seat and was not defeated by Christine Todd Whitman
Bennett Johnson Jr. Kept his seat in the October jungle primary and was not defeated by David Duke.

Republicans Make Big Gains in House
In contrast to their small gains in the Senate, the Republican Party gained 46 seats in the House of Representatives, a large gain but not enough to gain control. Previously, there were 278 Democrats in the House, and 157 Republicans. In next year’s Congress, there will be 232 Democrats in the House, and 203 Republicans.

Despite Democrats Keeping Control, a Conservative Coalition Expected.
The gains are enough that Republicans will be able to work with conservative Democrats to block further any further liberal legislation that is not acceptable. Any further legislation will certainly be right-of-center and may create difficulties with President Dukakis.

[retromike22]

Senator Duke?
OH. MY. GOD.

When I was doing research on that election, I was AMAZED on how it wasn't even a stretch of the imagination to have Duke win. It was so likely that the official Republican nominee (Ben Bagart) dropped out, and many major Republicans endorsed the Democratic incumbent.

[retromike22]

The next update will feature the results of the Gubernatorial Elections of 1990, and because it's an anti-Democratic year, it will effect several races by a few points. The result in one state will permanently hinder the political career of one of our real timeline's most significant recent politicians. This goes back to my first post, on how many politicians simply got lucky or unlucky in their political career. Hint: In real life 1990, a retiring Republican governor A was succeeded by Democrat B who won by less than four percentage points. But in this timeline, the retiring Republican governor A will be succeeded by the Republican candidate C. Which means 4 years later.... a certain someone won't be able to challenge the incumbent Democrat B, they will instead be watching the Republican C run for reelection.

[retromike22]

I need to take issue with the Louisiana election. David Duke would have to go into a runoff with Senator Johnston if no candidate received an absolute majority of the vote which is the case ITTL.

Therefore, Duke should not have been declared elected with a plurality of the vote.

Crap, you're right. Oh well. Let's just say Duke somehow did win a majority of the vote then. (He was only 7 points away from a majority in real life anyway)

[retromike22]

The next update will feature the results of the Gubernatorial Elections of 1990, and because it's an anti-Democratic year, it will effect several races by a few points. The result in one state will permanently hinder the political career of one of our real timeline's most significant recent politicians. This goes back to my first post, on how many politicians simply got lucky or unlucky in their political career. Hint: In real life 1990, a retiring Republican governor A was succeeded by Democrat B who won by less than four percentage points. But in this timeline, the retiring Republican governor A will be succeeded by the Republican candidate C. Which means 4 years later.... a certain someone won't be able to challenge the incumbent Democrat B, they will instead be watching the Republican C run for reelection.

So Bush has to wait until 1998 (at least)?

Very interesting.

Yup it's Bush. Bush will not run for Governor of Texas in 1994, mainly because there will be a Republican incumbent running for reelection. I haven't decided what path George Bush will take (if any). Update coming soon!

[retromike22]

November 6, 1990: Republicans Gain Governorships
In the Gubernatorial Elections of 1990, the Republicans gained 7 seats, the Democrats gained 4, and an independent party gained the Governorship of Alaska. In a notable result, the Governor of Massachusetts Evelyn Murphy, who succeeded to the office after President Michael Dukakis was elected, was unable to hold the seat against the Republican challenger William Weld.

Control Changes:
In Alaska, retiring Democrat Steve Cowper was succeeded by Walter Joseph Hickel of the Alaskan Independence Party.
In Arizona, retiring Democrat Rose Perica Mofford    was succeeded by Republican Fife Symington III.
In Connecticut, retiring Democrat William O'Neill was succeeded by Republican John Rowland.
In Florida, Republican Bob Martinez was defeated by Democrat Lawton Chiles.
In Massachusetts, Evelyn Murphy was defeated by Republican William Weld.
In Michigan, Democrat James Blanchard was defeated by Republican John Engler.
In Minnesota, Democrat Rudy Perpich was defeated by Republican Arne Carlson.
In New Mexico, retiring Democrat Garrey Carruthers was succeeded by Democrat Bruce King.
In Ohio, retiring Democrat Dick Celeste was succeeded by Republican George Voinovich.
In Oklahoma, retiring Henry Bellmon was succeeded by Democrat David Walters.
In Rhode Island, Republican Edward D. DiPrete was defeated by Democrat Bruce Sundlun.
In Vermont, retiring Democrat Madeleine M. Kunin was succeeded by Republican Richard A. Snelling.

Differences from real life:
In Connecticut, it was Lowell Weicker from the independent “A Connecticut Party” who succeeded William O’Neill and not John Rowland.
In Kansas, Republican Mike Hayden was defeated by Democrat Joan Finney.
In Massachusetts, Dukakis was retiring and the Democrat was John Silber, who nevertheless was defeated by William Weld.
In Nebraska, Republican Kay A. Orr was not defeated by Democrat Ben Nelson.
In Texas, retiring Republican Bill Clements was succeeded by Democrat Ann Richards, and not Republican Clayton Williams.

[retromike22]

January 3, 1991: The 102nd Congress Begins
Senate Majority Leader: George Mitchell
Majority Whip: Wendell Ford

Senate Minority Leader: Bob Dole
Minority Whip: Alan Simpson

Speaker: Thomas Foley
Majority Leader: William Gray
Majority Whip: Steny Hoyer

Minority Leader: Robert Michel
Minority Whip: Dick Cheney

Senators:
Alabama:
Howell Heflin (D)
Dick Shelby (D)

Alaska:
Ted Stevens (R)
Frank H. Murkowski (R)

Arizona
Dennis DeConcini (D)
John McCain (R)

Arkansas
Dale Bumpers (D)
David Pryor (D)

California
Alan Cranston (D)
Pete Wilson (R), until January 7, 1991, because he resigned to take office as Governor.
John F. Seymour (R), from January 10, 1991

Colorado
Tim Wirth (D)
Hank Brown (R)

Connecticut
Christopher Dodd (D)
Joe Lieberman (D)

Delaware
William Roth (R)
Joe Biden (D)

Florida
Bob Graham (D)
Buddy McKay (D)

Georgia
Sam Nunn (D)
Wyche Fowler, Jr. (D)

Hawaii
Daniel K. Inouye (D)
Pat Saiki (R)

Idaho
Steve Symms (R)
Larry Craig (R)

Illinois
Alan J. Dixon (D)
Paul Simon (D)

Indiana
Richard Lugar (R)
Dan Quayle (R)

Iowa
Chuck Grassley (R)
Tom Tauke (R)

Kansas
Bob Dole (R)
Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R)

Kentucky
Wendell H. Ford (D)
Mitch McConnell (R)

Louisiana
David Duke (I)
John B. Breaux (D)

Maine
William S. Cohen (R)
George J. Mitchell (D)

Maryland
Paul S. Sarbanes (D)
Barbara A. Mikulski (D)

Massachusetts
Edward M. Kennedy (D)
John Kerry (D)

Michigan
Donald W. Riegle, Jr. (D)
Carl Levin (D)

Minnesota
David Durenberger (R)
Rudy Boschwitz (R)

Mississippi
Thad Cochran (R)
Trent Lott (R)

Missouri
John C. Danforth (R)
Kit Bond (R)

Montana
Max Baucus (D)
John Melcher (D)
   
Nebraska
Jim Exon (D)
J. Robert Kerrey (D)

Nevada
Harry Reid (D)
Richard H. Bryan (D)

New Hampshire
Warren B. Rudman (R)
Bob Smith (R)

New Jersey
Christine Todd Whitman (R)
Frank R. Lautenberg (D)

New Mexico
Pete Domenici (R)
Jeff Bingaman (D)

New York
Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D)
Al D'Amato (R)

North Carolina
Jesse Helms (R)
Terry Sanford (D)

North Dakota
Quentin N. Burdick (D)
Kent Conrad (D)

Ohio
John Glenn (D)
Howard Metzenbaum (D)

Oklahoma
David L. Boren (D)
Don Nickles (R)

Oregon
Mark O. Hatfield (R)
Bob Packwood (R)

Pennsylvania
John Heinz (R)
Arlen Specter (R)

Rhode Island
Claiborne Pell (D)
John H. Chafee (R)

South Carolina
Strom Thurmond (R)
Ernest F. Hollings (D)

South Dakota
Larry Pressler (R)
Thomas A. Daschle (D)

Tennessee
Jim Sasser (D)
Al Gore (D)

Texas
Lloyd Bentsen (D)
Phil Gramm (R)

Utah
Jake Garn (R)
Orrin G. Hatch (R)

Vermont
Patrick Leahy (D)
James Jeffords (R)

Virginia
John W. Warner (R)
Charles S. Robb (D)

Washington
Brock Adams (D)
Mike Lowry (D)

West Virginia
Robert C. Byrd (D)
John D. Rockefeller IV (D)

Wisconsin
Bob Kasten (R)
Herb Kohl (D)

Wyoming
Malcolm Wallop (R)
Alan K. Simpson (R)

I'm going to post the list of Senators at the beginning of each Congress, to keep you informed of who is in office.

[retromike22]

February 10, 1991. Keating Scandal Report Released
The Keating Scandal has been released. Senator Cranston has been reprimanded, while Senators Riegle and DeConcini are criticized for acting improperly.

February 15, 1991. Republicans call for Three Democratic Senators to Resign, President Dukakis Does Not Support Resignations.
Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole and the other Republican senators have released a statement calling for the three Democratic Senators affiliated with the Keating Scandal (Cranston, Riegle, and DeConcini) to resign. President Dukakis is determined to work with Congress and not campaign against it, and refuses to call on the senators to resign. “The report has been released and now we know what happened. But now it’s time for Congress to get back to work.” Polls on whether the senators should resign show 55% in favor of them resigning, 20% opposed, and 25% unsure.

March 3, 1991. Gay Adoption Bill Fails in Vote.
A bill allowing for gay individuals to adopt children has failed to pass the Senate. Southern Democrats strongly opposed this bill and combined with conservative Republicans were able to create a majority. President Dukakis had announced his support for the bill, along with the liberal Democrats and several northern moderate Republicans.

In reality, Dukakis was opposed to gay adoption, but that was in 1988, when he was running for President and I believe did not want to appear too liberal at that time. I have him supporting this bill since he is already President at this time and he believes the country is more liberal than it really is.

March 17, 1991. Senator Dick Shelby Switches to the GOP
Alabama Senator has switched parties and has agreed to caucus with the Republican Party. “The strong shift to the left by the Democratic Party and President Dukakis was difficult, especially with the recent homosexual adoption bill. But with the refusal of the Democratic Party and more importantly, with the President to refuse to call for the resignations of the three Keating Senators was too much.” The new Senate is 54 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and 1 Independent.

March, 27, 1991. McCain-Kerry Campaign Reform Act signed into Law.
Citing the strong desire of the public to end corruption, the McCain-Kerry Campaign Reform Act has been signed into law. President Dukakis supported this law, and because of his refusal to call for the resignation of the Keating Senators, was reluctant to appear unserious about ending corruption. The new law regulates the financing of political campaigns. Its chief sponsors were Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John McCain (R-AZ). The law will become effective on 6 November 1991, and the new legal limits will become effective on January 1, 1992. It is widely expected to affect the upcoming Presidential election. Senator John McCain has been widely lauded for this bill, and despite being only in his first term, there are already calls for him to enter next year’s Presidential race.

March 30, 1991. First GOP Nomination Poll Shows Open Race
The first national poll for the Republican nomination shows a wide open race with no clear frontrunner. With 20 percent each are Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole and former Vice Presidential nominee and current Senator Dan Quayle. Minority Whip Dick Cheney is a strong third with 15%. None of the polled candidates have announced a run, but it is highly expected that these top three will run.

Bob Dole: 20
Dan Quayle: 20
Dick Cheney: 15
Lamar Alexander: 5
Arlen Specter: 5
Phil Gramm: 5
John McCain: 5
Dick Lugar: 0
Pete Wilson: 0
Undecided: 25%

It is important to note that one of the main reasons Colin Powell became well respected was because of his leadership in the invasion of Panama and in the Persian Gulf War. But because those two events don’t happen, he is not as famous as he was in real life. In addition, this is 1992 and not 1996 (when he was considering a run) and so Colin Powell is still serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

[retromike22]

April 4, 1991. Senator John Heinz Injured in Plane Crash But Expected to Survive.
Senator John Heinz of Pennsylvania has been injured in a plane crash, suffering a broken arm and fractured leg, but is expected to survive.

April 6, 1991. Senator Richard Lugar Announces Run for President, McCain declines.
Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana has announced he will run for President, while Senator McCain of Arizona has declined.

April 20, 1991. Former Vice Presidential Nominee Dan Quayle Announces Run for President
Former Vice Presidential nominee and Senator of Indiana Dan Quayle has announced that he will run for President. He has high name recognition as a result of his place on the 1988 ticket, but still faces comments that he was a negative on the ticket.

May 3, 1991. Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole Announces Run for President, Arlen Specter Declines.
Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas has announced that he will run for President. He is probably the closest person that could be labeled a frontrunner but the race is still early. Senator Arlen Specter has declined to run and is the first senator to endorse Dole.

May 20, 1991. Senator Phil Gramm and Governor Pete Wilson Announce Run for President.
Senator Phil Gramm of Texas and Governor Pete Wilson of California have both announced that they will run for President.

May 30, 1991. New National Poll: Dole and Cheney Tied, Quayle Third.
A new poll has shown that Minority Whip Dick Cheney, despite no statement that he is running, is rising in the polls and is now tied with Bob Dole. Quayle is now third.

Bob Dole: 25
Dick Cheney: 25
Dan Quayle 15
Lamar Alexander: 5
Phil Gramm: 5
Dick Lugar: 5
Pete Wilson: 0
Undecided: 20%