Elizabeth Dole to Endorse Bush and Stump for Him, Sources Say

Elizabeth Dole, who ended her bid for the presidency after citing problems competing for cash with George W. Bush, planned to endorse the Texas governor this week, according to associates close to both politicians.

The officials, who said Sunday that the details were not final, said Dole was expected to endorse Bush on Tuesday in New Hampshire and make two campaign stops with him in Iowa, the sites of the first two GOP presidential contests.

Dole dropped out of the race in October, nearly broke and before any votes were cast. More than 100 fund-raisers had netted her only $5 million, less than one-tenth of Bush’s record-breaking bankroll at that time. Though she held second place in many national polls--she hovered around 10%--she trailed Arizona Sen. John McCain in New Hampshire and lagged well behind Bush everywhere.

Dole’s endorsement would help Bush attract women to his campaign. Married suburban mothers especially are considered critical swing votes in the general election, and early polls show Bush leading all candidates in that category.

A CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll conducted after Dole dropped out Oct. 20 showed that Bush’s support among Republican-leaning women jumped 13 percentage points to 68% after her departure. Dole had the support of 14% of GOP female voters before leaving the race, but it’s impossible to say Bush’s gains were from her supporters.

Dole associates have urged her for weeks to endorse Bush.

McCain spokesman Howard Opinsky said the Arizona senator has attracted former Dole backers who like his platform of campaign finance reform.

“Voters have been flocking to Sen. McCain because of his message, not because of his bank account or list of endorsements,” Opinsky said.

Dole’s allies hope an endorsement elevates her chances to be Bush’s running mate, though officials in both camps say no guarantees have been made.

Indeed, Bush is said to favor prospects who have been elected officeholders. Dole is a two-time Cabinet member and former president of the American Red Cross but had never sought office before her failed 1999 bid.