What Sort of Blocker Will Kemp Be For Dole?

By Jennifer Auther/CNN

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 11) -- Upon arriving in San Diego today for the Republican National Convention, the former congressman and all-American Football League signal-caller for the Buffalo Bills showed old habits die hard.

"Bob Dole, you're the quarterback and I'm your blocker!" Kemp told Dole. "We're going all the way!"

But what will Kemp's position be in Dole's overall campaign game plan?

As Kemp prepares to take up the No. 2 spot on the GOP ticket, Dole campaign strategists still need to work out whether Kemp will take on the vice presidential candidate's traditional role of "attack dog."

Tony Fabrizio, chief campaign pollster for the Dole campaign, says that in the next few weeks, Kemp will try to build momentum for the ticket in the south, where Dole needs to shore up support.

"He's going to be working in the key states of Florida, Louisiana..." Fabrizio said.

California Gov. Pete Wilson earlier suggested Kemp and Dole, who have sometimes disagreed on policy issues, are too far apart on issues such as immigration and welfare, for Kemp to have accepted the No. 2 spot in good conscience. Wilson has moved away from that position, though.

"I have to assume that if Bob Dole is satisfied, that he is comfortable," Wilson said. "They have reached an agreement."

Kemp accepted Dole's offer without hesitation. "I said 'yes' faster than the Democrats can raise taxes," Kemp told the San Diego crowd today.

His long-time concern about racial matters also made Kemp appealing to a GOP campaign trying to broaden its base. Kemp will court the minority vote, continue to preach supply-side economics and champion Reagan-era tax cuts. He will also promise more growth, more jobs and more opportunities.

William Bennett, Kemp's compadre from "Empower America," downplayed the fact that Dole and Kemp have moved from adversaries to allies.

"I would submit to you, there is more agreement between Dole and Kemp than between Clinton of '93 and Clinton of '96," Bennett said.

Kemp's arrival in San Diego is a homecoming of sorts. He quarterbacked for the San Diego Chargers in the early 1960s.

When Dole announced Kemp as his choice for a running mate, he said: "I've been saying for weeks, I wanted a running mate who rates a 10. Someone who believes in the same values I believe in, someone who is ready to fight the battles I will fight, someone who has courage, integrity and character. I was looking for a 10 and I found a No. 15, which is the number Jack wore while playing for the Buffalo Bills."

What Sort of Blocker Will Kemp Be For Dole?

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