Bush to visit state after key primary

1/24/2004

NASHUA -- The nation's first primary on Tuesday may wrap up weeks of Democratic attacks on President Bush in New Hampshire. But then the president will get his turn in the Granite State. Bush will host what the White House is calling a "conversation on the economy" in New Hampshire on Thursday, two days after the Democratic primary. The move represents a significant ramp-up of the Republican president's reelection efforts to respond to the criticism from the Democratic presidential field. The Bush reelection campaign also is sending former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York to the state for two appearances today. (KRT)

Dean reprises caucus night rant

KEENE -- Howard Dean reprised his memorably loud caucus night rant yesterday, this time sticking to the mellowest and most presidential of tones. After a supporter praised him for his speech after finishing third in Iowa -- a scream-laced performance that damaged Dean politically -- he playfully said to the audience: "May I say we are going to win South Carolina. We are going to win New Hampshire. We will win Ohio. We will win Arizona. And then, we'll go on to win Massachusetts. And after we are done doing that, we will win New York." When the cheering subsided, Dean said, "I couldn't resist. That does look more presidential, doesn't it?" (AP)

Washington, D.C.

Gephardt sets his delegates free

Representative Richard A. Gephardt, who abandoned his bid for the presidency, has freed his Democratic convention delegates to back another candidate but isn't ready to signal his choice before Feb. 3, when Missouri and six other states hold early contests. Missouri campaign director Jason Norton said Gephardt has spoken with several Democratic "superdelegates" -- elected officials and other Democratic leaders who will help nominate a candidate at this summer's convention -- including Missouri Governor Bob Holden and members of Congress. Superdelegates aren't bound to primary or caucus results in their respective states and can change their minds whenever they like. A superdelegate could still support Gephardt at the convention. (AP)