Election 2000 briefs

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -- GOP presidential hopeful Steve Forbes took jabs at the federal tax system during a campaign swing through Tennessee Tuesday, calling it "an assault on the dignity of the American people."

"We should take this beast, kill it, drive a stake through its heart ... get rid of it and start over," Forbes told more than 70 people at the Airport Hilton.

Forbes also chided Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist, who supports GOP front-runner George W. Bush, for supporting a state income tax. The governor, Forbes said, is "profoundly wrong" for trying to "railroad through" a state income tax to balance the state budget.

"For some reason the politicians always find reasons why they need more of your money," Forbes said. "The people of Tennessee should say no to an income tax. It is an enormous advantage for this state. Don't loose it."

Reacting to the news that former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander would endorse Bush for the Republican presidential nomination and that Bush was virtually assured of winning, Forbes said, "As Yogi Berra said, it ain't over until it's over. ... There hasn't been one vote cast."

Bauer says Bush should pledge to select anti-abortion running mate>

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire -- In his first visit to New Hampshire after Monday's debate in Iowa, GOP presidential candidate Gary Bauer took aim at front-runner Texas Gov. George W. Bush, saying that the governor should pledge to select an anti-abortion running mate.

Bush said during the debate that he would pick someone qualified and conservative.

"I was deeply disappointed in Governor Bush's answer," Bauer said at a news conference at Manchester Airport before heading to the northern part of the state, where he is campaigning today.

Bauer also railed against President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore for focusing on gays in the military instead of on ways to make the armed forces stronger and to improve recruitment.

"They want to go revisit the issue of homosexuals in the military, pushing once again to allow open homosexuality in the ranks even though every military leader in the country has said it is a disaster for military morale," he said.

Bauer also criticized GOP rival Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a former prisoner of war, for saying in the debate that he approved of women in combat. Bauer said the military shouldn't be used to "try out some liberal idea" -- whether it was women in combat, co-ed training or allowing openly gay soldiers.

"The purpose of the military is to win wars and defend the United States of America," he said. "It's not to be a sociological playground for either Bill Clinton's theories or anybody else's theories."

Bauer also lashed out at Republicans who do not share his position against admitting China to the World Trade Organization. He said the "trade wing" of the GOP is overlooking concerns about human rights abuses and the amassing of weapons in China. He also said people should be concerned about a strong pro-China lobby in Washington.

"The desire for a quick buck in China is making many American corporations forget the fact that they are American corporations," Bauer said.

Bush to put name on Texas primary ballot

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who's been campaigning coast-to-coast for the Republican presidential nomination, will take steps Friday to put his name on the primary ballot in his home state.

Bush's campaign said the governor plans to formally file for the March 14 Texas primary.

Bush was beaten to the punch by GOP rival Steve Forbes, the millionaire publishing executive from Bedminster, New Jersey, who was the first presidential hopeful to file in Texas.

Forbes submitted his papers on December 3, the first day he could do so, and as of midday Wednesday remained the only presidential candidate of either party to file in Texas.

Filing for spots on the Republican and Democratic primary ballots will continue through January 3.

'Super Tuesday' ballot set in Mississippi

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Two Democrats and six Republicans will be on the March 14 "Super Tuesday" presidential primary ballot in Mississippi, according to the secretary of state's office.

The "Super Tuesday" balloting allows the political parities to determine delegates to their national nominating conventions.

Democrats on the ballot will be Vice President Al Gore Jr. and former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley.

Republicans are Texas Gov. George W. Bush, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, millionaire publisher Steve Forbes, former State Department official Alan Keyes and former Reagan official"generally recognized" major party candidates on the Dec. 15 prior to the presidential preference primary.

Other Democratic or Republican candidates can qualify by petition to their respective parties by Jan. 14.

Third parties do not conduct primaries in Mississippi. Those candidates, plus independents, will appear on the November 7, 2000 general election ballot.

Also on Mississippi's "Super Tuesday" ballot will be all five congressional seats and the U.S. Senate post held by Republican Trent Lott. Runoffs, if necessary, will be held April 4.

Other races on the general election ballot will be four state Supreme Court posts and three Court of Appeals seats.

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