Kondracke surprised at Dole standing

Mort Kondracke said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole may be in for a fight.

At a luncheon speech before the North Carolina Chamber this afternoon, the longtime Washington-based political reporter said that Dole may have a tougher re-election campaign than expected.

"I was amazed that Elizabeth Dole was in as much trouble as she seems to be," he said. "Washington does not know that."

A recent poll showed Dole only five points ahead of Democratic nominee Kay Hagan.

He said he did not know whether Barack Obama or John McCain's coattails would affect the Senate race in North Carolina, but he said that if she makes illegal immigration a centerpiece of her campaign, for example, the presidential race might not make a difference.

Still, he said McCain likes Dole.

"Sure, he likes her," he said. "Everybody likes her."