Dole Denies That Bush Has Picked His Wife to Be U.N. Ambassador

A spokesman for Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) on Sunday denied a published report that President-elect George Bush has chosen his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Hanford Dole, to be U.N. ambassador.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday that Bush had selected Elizabeth Dole to represent the United States at the world body and quoted congressional sources close to the senator as calling the nomination “a done deal.” The newspaper also reported that the announcement could come as early as today.

However, Walt Riker, spokesman for the Senate Republican leader, said Sunday: “I’ve spoken to both Doles and I can tell you flat out that the story has no foundation and is inaccurate.

“There have been no discussions with President-elect Bush,” Riker said. “It’s just the latest rumor running amok in the Washington rumor mill.”

The newspaper, however, quoted Riker as saying that he could not “confirm or deny” the report.

Dole, 52, resigned as transportation secretary 14 months ago to help her husband campaign for the White House. The senator dropped out of the race in March after a heated battle with Bush for the GOP presidential nomination.

Bush met last week with the Senate Republican leader. The two promised to work closely during the Bush presidency.