Dannemeyer May Not Talk for Bush at Health Session

Rep. William E. Dannemeyer (R-Fullerton), who is known for his strong views on AIDS and homosexuality, may not be a surrogate speaker for Vice President George Bush at a health conference Friday in San Diego, as previously announced.

A spokesperson for Bush’s presidential campaign, who asked not to be identified, said Wednesday there were “grave concerns” over Dannemeyer representing the vice president on the issue of AIDS.

“He might not be considered the best person to represent the vice president’s views on AIDS,” the spokesperson said.

Dannemeyer’s office said the congressman would speak at the San Diego conference unless an AIDS bill, with four proposed amendments, is scheduled to be taken up on the House floor Friday.

“He’s not going to miss out on this,” Dannemeyer’s press spokesman, Paul Mero, said of the AIDS bill. “This is the only piece of AIDS legislation that will make it through the 100th Congress.”

Mero said Dannemeyer intends to appear for Bush before the American Group Practice Assn. if the hearing on the bill is held today or delayed until next week. Mero said Dannemeyer had told Bush campaign officials that he would not know until today whether he would be able to make the speech.

When Dannemeyer indicated he might not be able to be in San Diego, a possible replacement was found: Don Newland, an undersecretary of Health and Human Services.

“I know there were concerns other than scheduling,” the spokesperson with the Bush campaign said. The person said it was believed that “those concerns would be resurrected again” were Dannemeyer’s schedule to permit him to make the speaking engagement.