Senators Vow to Stump Country to Aid Bush

Senate Republicans told George Bush on Tuesday that they are concerned about recent polls showing the vice president trailing Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, and they promised to help him narrow the gap by campaigning on his behalf.

“We’re ready to go like a bunch of trout ready to jump out of the water. We’re going to get out our assignments and spread out across the country,” Sen. Alan K. Simpson (R-Wyo.) said after he and other GOP senators met with Bush at a Capitol Hill luncheon.

The all-but-certain Republican nominee told the senators he appreciated their help and said: “I’m convinced we can carry the day. I am not going to be out-hustled by Michael Dukakis, I can guarantee you.” They responded with a standing ovation.

The senators gave Bush a large white mailbox with the inscription, “G & B Bush, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” The G & B stand for George and Barbara, and the address is that of the White House.

“We hope we got the spelling right, and we know we got the address right,” quipped Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.), who was Bush’s principal rival for the GOP nomination.