CAMPAIGN TRAIL : BOB DOLE

Using a Honda auto manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio, as his backdrop, Dole on Friday pressed his campaign’s argument for “fair, not free” trade.

“I’m here to demonstrate how important it is to export,” Dole told workers gathered in the plant’s auditorium. “We want fair trade, and we have a lot of weapons on the books to gain America’s access to other markets.”

With victory in the GOP nomination race virtually assured, Dole continued his new effort to focus attention on his legislative acumen. He played a key role Thursday in the accord among House and Senate Republicans on a measure to give presidents line-item veto power; on Friday, he voiced resolve to overcome remaining differences between Congress and the White House on a balanced-budget plan.

“This is not a game,” Dole said. “We’re prepared to do it now even though it’s an election cycle. A lot of time will be left until November as far as politics is concerned.”

Later, Dole journeyed to a rally in a Cleveland neighborhood where he was entertained by a polka band, “Lew Hladky and his Bouncing Czechs.”

PATRICK J. BUCHANAN

In Michigan--where he and his aides believe he has the best shot for a strong showing in four Midwestern primaries Tuesday--Buchanan spent the day hammering away against free trade.

He expressed sympathy for auto workers in Ohio who went on strike last week, partially to protest the decision by General Motors Corp. to buy a brake system from a German supplier. “These fellas are striking simply to keep their jobs from being shipped off to other countries,” he said during a television interview in Flint.

Earlier in the day, Buchanan donned a red United Auto Workers cap as more than 40 union members cheered. “We’re going to try to break through and get some of the union folks,” he said. “Clinton and Dole are identical. There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between them.” Buchanan is hoping that many of the traditionally Democratic workers will cross party lines and support him in Tuesday’s vote.

Compiled from Times’ staff and wire reports