Sen. D’Amato Breaks Ranks, Supports Dole
Sen. Alfonse M. D’Amato (R-N.Y.) broke ranks with state party leaders today and declared his support for Sen. Bob Dole’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
“I think this is an important part of his campaign,” D’Amato said, standing by the Kansas senator’s side at Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt hotel, where he announced his endorsement.
State Republican Party Chairman Anthony Colavita is among ranking state Republicans who have given the nod to Vice President George Bush, who was leading Dole in a recently released national public opinion poll.
D’Amato made no comment when asked about breaking ranks with top state Republicans, but Dole quipped, “Last time I checked, Al D’Amato was the top Republican in the state.”
Dole added, “We’re going to have an amnesty program” for Republicans who have backed other candidates.
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