Bush Hopes New Web Site Will Upgrade Campaign

Gov. George W. Bush zipped around on his newly upgraded campaign Web site Wednesday, pointing and clicking on features he said will make it more personable and “keep the allure alive.”

“We’re constantly upgrading because we want to keep the page interesting,” he said, flanked by two large-screen television sets that helped showcase https://www.georgewbush.com at a brief news conference.

Bush also previewed a flashy television advertisement designed to promote the Web site. Campaign officials said the commercial will run just Friday in California’s Bay Area and in the New York City area.

Fast-paced sounds, a smattering of close-ups and edgy camera angles give the ad a music video feel, and the only words spoken are by Bush, who says simply: “I am running for president of the United States.”

The new Web site allows users to register to vote, download campaign materials, play “George W.” trivia games, listen to Internet radio shows and enter contests for prizes. Visitors can also customize the site by using the “My George W.” feature.

Aides said that Bush is “a different kind of e-publican,” slightly altering the candidate’s regular campaign theme.

The Texas governor sidestepped questions about his choice of a running mate, saying only that he is “close to making a decision” and that a new consideration would be whether his partner has “a good Web page.”

Bush also jabbed at Democratic presidential contender Al Gore on Wednesday for failing in recent weeks to take a clear position on whether to breach Snake River dams in the Pacific Northwest to save salmon.

Bush believes the dams should remain and that efforts to save the salmon, an endangered species, should focus on breeding technologies.

On Wednesday, Gore joined the White House in announcing a policy that would also preserve the dams, at least in the near future.

Environmentalists say the dams are an impediment to the salmon. But breaching the dams is opposed by farmers and would risk higher electricity rates.

“I feel [the White House policy] provides a solid foundation for restoring the salmon while strengthening the economy of the Pacific Northwest,” Gore said.

He added that the results would be measured scientifically, and if progress toward saving the salmon is not seen, “we may then have no choice but to pursue options such as dam breaching. But we must first exhaust all reasonable alternatives.”

Gore criticized Bush for raising the issue. “Gov. Bush should stop playing politics with this issue. Sound science must govern here, not political scare tactics.”

Bush aides responded to Gore’s new position, however, saying Gore still “refused to take a definitive stand.”

The issue is particularly important to Oregon voters, who have not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1984. Polls so far show Bush slightly ahead of Gore there.