One-time wildcat Dole visits Tucson with eyes on presidency

By Amy Fredette

Arizona Summer Wildcat

Presidential hopeful Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., held a town meeting at Tucson's Hilton East hotel last Friday to discuss his candidacy.

About 1,000 people filled the seats and lined the walls of the Conference Room as Dole discussed his goals if elected president.

His speech was followed by a question and answer period which allowed the audience to voice its concerns and opinions.

Dole, who attended the University of Arizona for one year in 1948 and 1949, also commented on student funding. He said the government is already putting enough money into financial aid.

The problem, he said, is that many students fail to pay back loans. "If they paid it back, then we'd have more to put in," Dole said.

Rex Waite, chair of the Republican party in Tucson, said Dole will hold a fundraiser for the university if he is elected president.

Dole also commented on Bosnia, U.S. defense, anti-terrorism legislation and violence.

Dole said that the United States has already spent about $2 billion on military intervention in Bosnia. He said that the United State's only involvement in Bosnia should be to rescue allies. Dole also said that the arms embargo should be lifted so the Bosnians are able to defend themselves.

"Bosnia is an independent nation," he said. "They should have a right to self-defense."

On the subject of anti-terrorism, Dole said that he wants "something passed that won't just look good in the heat of the moment, but something that will last for years to come."

Dole also spoke about the bad influence violence and sex in Hollywood has on children. He said he does not suggest censorship of music, television and movies, but he believes that the United States needs a leader who will demonstrate morality and leadership.

The crowd applauded the senator as he expressed his belief in America and its future. "It's important that people know that we are entering a new century and (the next president) should accept the responsibility as leader of the free world," Dole said.

"Other leaders look to us and our liberty and freedom. We want to stay a free nation."

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