July 12, 1999
Web posted at: 5:45 p.m. EDT (2145 GMT)

Hatch makes first New Hampshire foray

SALT LAKE CITY (July 12) -- Although Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch would be the last in the crowded 12-candidate GOP field to make a swing through New Hampshire, he hopes to provide the real competition for the party's nomination.

Sen. Orrin Hatch

Emerging as an alternative for conservative Republicans, Hatch said the party's elite shouldn't be able to just anoint GOP front-runner, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, as the party's nominee.

In his appearance on the Dan Pierce radio talk show Monday morning, Hatch appealed to 1 million people to send him $36 each so he can match Bush's $36 million campaign war chest. Afterward, Hatch was scheduled to meet with employees of Delta Dental, Concord's biggest employer; tour a day care center; appear on a local television newscast and meet with New Hampshire GOP leaders.

New Hampshire, the state that holds the first presidential primaries, might become a crucial test of strength for GOP candidates who try to challenge Bush's so far uncontested position.

Gov. George W. Bush

NEWARK, New Jersey (July 12) -- Despite a cancelled visit to a Newark day care center, GOP presidential front-runner George W. Bush would not skip the evening fund-raiser at a hotel near Newark airport, aides said Monday.

Unspecified business was the reason for the Texas governor's cancellation at the Head Start center, said campaign spokeswoman Mindy Tucker. Bush hopes to reschedule his visit, she said.

Bush will meet privately with members of his state finance committee in the late afternoon. After that he would give a speech to 300-400 supporters who donated $1,000 for the opportunity to hear him, said Chris Christie, counsel to Bush's New Jersey campaign.

Steve Forbes

FORT DODGE, Iowa (July 12) -- Condemning GOP presidential rivals who "stand for nothing" has become the opening theme of Steve Forbes' 7-day bus tour in Iowa.

"The idea that you can go through a campaign and just not say anything is not going to work," said the multimillionaire publisher Sunday in the state where precinct caucuses might prove crucial.

Forbes's words were aimed at Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the GOP presidential front-runner, who is criticized by most of his rivals for being vague on the issues. Forbes expanded that theme Monday when he blamed the stagnated farm economy in the state on the "the high priests of high finances."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Monday, July 12, 1999

• Senate Democrats, GOP square off on patients' rights
• Smith: Leaving GOP 'on principle'
• Gore outlines anti-crime agenda
• Kasich may leave GOP presidential race
• Clinton, GOP to hold tax summit
• Hillary Clinton to hold first fund-raising event
• Kentucky Democrats lose state Senate majority for first time
• Architect cited for serious violations in Library of Congress fire
• Chief Justice solves newspaper's riddle
• Moynihan expected to back Bradley
• Birmingham's first black mayor departing after 20 years
• Washington Yesterday: Hillary Clinton and history's carpetbag
• Lott predicts U.N. envoy will be approved despite holds
• Unusual PAC gives Bradley a guerrilla campaign network
• GOP presidential hopefuls denounce attack on Smith

• Hatch makes first New Hampshire foray
• Bush cancels day-care center appearance but fund-raiser still on
• Forbes blasts rivals who 'stand for nothing'

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