New Dole Staffer Knows The Ropes

RALEIGH - In a move that surprised no one, N&O political reporter Rob Christensen today officially joined Elizabeth Dole's reelection campaign. N&O editor Melanie Sill could not be reached for comment, though it appears Christensen will be allowed to stay on the newspaper's payroll.

Christensen, it must be said, wasted no time exploiting his newfound status to deliver the goods on behalf of the very senior Senator. In a sweet little column about Dole's legendary political skills, he dutifully covers all the key talking points assigned to him.

Talking point #1. Liddy looooooves North Carolina and spends all her time here.

This is how Bob and Elizabeth Dole spent their summer vacation. For two weeks they toured the mountains visiting such places as Spruce Pine, Mount Mitchell, Chimney Rock and Highlands.
::
"It's amazing," said Elizabeth Dole. "I can't see him sitting still for five minutes. It was great fun, walking up and down the streets."

Talking point #2. She can't be beat.

Dole's strategists think she is well-positioned to fend off any opponent. She raised $2.8 million during the first six months of the year and completed a string of fundraisers in August. They note that she has received contributions from 11,000 donors, only a small percentage of whom have given the maximum amount.

Their own poll, taken last week, shows Dole with a job approval rating of 64 percent and a disapproval rating of 23 percent.

Talking point #3. She's a moderate.

A majority of moderates and Democrats like her, according to the Dole poll. Dole has always been a shrewd politician. Her voting record is solidly conservative, but many moderates see her as a moderate.

She has also begun to put a little daylight between herself and the Bush administration on the war. Last week, she said said she would support "what some have called action-forcing measures" in Iraq.

No mention of many other polls showing Liddy's approval rating barely cracking 50%. No mention that Liddy Dole is one of most reliable Bushbots in the Senate. No mention that Liddy Dole is literally hated by a majority of her Republican base in northeast North Carolina. No mention of anything other than what Liddy Dole wants to have mentioned.

It doesn't get much sadder than this.