Senator Ponders Dual Campaigns
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WASHINGTON — Sen. John Ashcroft (R-Mo.) said Friday that he is laying the groundwork for simultaneous White House and Senate campaigns in 2000.
Aides to the conservative senator said they believe he will seek the GOP presidential nomination, although his decision is not yet final. He is telling supporters to have a presidential operation ready to go when he announces his intentions Jan. 5 in his hometown of Springfield.
Ashcroft recently has spent less time speaking on such issues as abortion and President Clinton’s conduct--topics that attract social conservatives--and has instead emphasized issues meant to attract moderates. Those issues include education, juvenile crime and drug abuse, tax cuts, welfare reform and Social Security.
A new Missouri law allows Ashcroft to delay filing for reelection until he wins or loses the presidential nomination.
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