Republicans have resolved their own disputes about welfare reform, and a strong measure is ready to be sent to the president. Clinton has announced his intention to veto it, and that fact is causing Bob Dole to hesitate. Should the Republicans force Clinton to veto this presumably popular measure and then spend all year attacking him for preventing the Congress from “ending welfare as we know it”? Or should they water down the measure so that Dole can claim he was able to shepherd welfare reform through the Congress and past the president? Dole’s campaign staff wants the veto for the presidential race; Dole’s Senate staff, led by the indomitable Sheila Burke, wants the legislative success. Decision time: soon.
