Will U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole be a no-show at her party's big bash in St. Paul?
The National Journal is reporting that Dole, of Salisbury, is on the fence about whether to attend the Republican national convention, which begins over Labor Day weekend, Barb Barrett reports.
Dole is in a tough battle for re-election against Democratic state senator Kay Hagan and might want to spend time campaigning.
But Dole also is one of the bona-fide rock stars of the GOP, the type of speaker who could rally the faithful at the daily state delegation breakfasts.
She also is a former presidential candidate herself, running briefly in 2000. And she’s the wife of popular former Sen. Bob Dole — who also is a former presidential candidate.
Elizabeth Dole had a prime-time television speaking role at the last GOP convention in New York City, where she praised President Bush and talked in support of traditional marriage, freedom of religion and the sanctity of life.
Several other Republican senators also have not committed to attending the convention.
Dole's spokeswoman has not yet been reached for comment about Dole's plans.
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, North Carolina's other Republican, will be in St. Paul. He is the Senate co-chairman of the GOP platform committee.
Update: Dole will not be in St. Paul, confirms her spokeswoman, Katie Hallaway.
"She’s got a busy week scheduled in North Carolina," Hallaway said. "When there are breaks in the Senate schedule, she spends as much time as possible in North Carolina."
Hallaway said nothing should be inferred about Dole missing the convention — either about the senator's support for McCain or any opinion about the security of her re-election in November.
Dole will be visiting with businesses, organizations and other constituent groups, but Hallaway said the schedule is not yet finalized.
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Re: Will Dole skip GOP convention?
Of course she won't attend the convention. She hasn't been in NC since her last election in 2002, so she needs to remember where everything is. Hallaway's quote is laughable. Dole hasn't lived in NC since she graduated from Duke.