DOLE CALLS FOR REVIVAL OF ANTI-DRUG SENTIMENT

NEWTON - Republican U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Dole said Tuesday she'd
push for tougher sentences for users of powdered cocaine, sentences now
shorter than those for the less-expensive crack cocaine.

Critics argue current law often leads to harsher penalties for minorities
convicted of using crack.

"It is time we end the racial and class disparities, perceived or otherwise
... and show that drug use will not be tolerated whether you are a wealthy
banker on Wall Street or a gang member on any street," Dole told an
audience at the old Catawba County courthouse.

"We need an all-out revival of our crusade to rid America of illegal
drugs," she said. "I will be a champion for this cause."

Dole, who also visited a Catawba County rehab facility, touted her record
as Secretary of Transportation in starting random drug testing for air
traffic controllers and others in safety positions, and as Secretary of
Labor in helping steer young people from drugs.

She said she supports efforts to choke off the supply of drugs in South and
Central America. Dole also promised to push for more Border Patrol agents
to stop drug smuggling, tougher penalties for drug-related crimes and more
grants to states that test teens for drugs before issuing them a driver's
license.

Fisher to picket Dole's fund-raiser

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ada Fisher plans to picket Thursday's
presidential fund-raiser for rival Elizabeth Dole.Fisher said she plans to
be at Greensboro's Grandover Resort when President Bush stumps there for
Dole Thursday night. Her signs will say, "BUSH DOLE VISITS WRONG, TAXPAYERS
PAY" and "NAFTA and FAST TRACK WRONG, NC PAYS!"

Fisher is one of six GOP candidates opposing Dole in the Sept. 10 primary.

"How long will the citizens of North Carolina and the media continue to
allow only candidates with name recognition to coast in the U.S. Senate
race while ignoring others on the issues important to this state?" she said.

"Why won't the press, the League of Women Voters and others who claim to
believe in democracy sponsor pre-primary debates to let the voters decide
who really is going to be about serving the best interest of North Carolina?"

Dole has declined to debate her GOP rivals.

Dole to appear at women's meeting

Elizabeth Dole will be in Charlotte today for a Women for Dole fund-raising
luncheon.

The event starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott City Center, 100 West Trade
St. Tickets start at $35.