Bush and Dole Bury Hatchet--’Election Is Over,’ They Say
WASHINGTON — President-elect George Bush and Senate Republican leader Bob Dole publicly ended a bitter political rivalry today and vowed to work together on America’s problems.
“The election is over and we both have obligations, and certainly mine is to help him become a great President and I intend to do that,” said Dole, whose help will be crucial in Bush’s dealings with the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Standing beside Bush outside the White House after a one-hour lunch meeting, Dole told reporters that their relationship would not be affected by “things that happened in the past”--a reference to the longstanding rift between them.
Bush said he and Dole agreed that reducing the budget deficit was their top priority. The President-elect vowed to “work most cooperatively” with Dole and other congressional leaders.
Before the luncheon, Bush announced that Marlin Fitzwater would stay on as White House spokesman.
“I look forward to working again with Marlin,” Bush said.
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