CANDIDATE DOLES OUT SUPPORT, FOOD IN DURHAM VISIT

DURHAM -- Elizabeth Dole, an announced Republican candidate for the U.S.
Senate, visited the Durham Rescue Mission Friday and praised the homeless
shelter's rehabilitation program.

During a short address in the facility's small chapel, Dole encouraged a
handful of people in the mission's "Victory" alcohol and drug
rehabilitation program to stick with it.

She also lauded the program's focus on biblical instruction.

"I'm a strong believer in great programs," she said, "but you need that
help beyond ourselves to really be effective."

After her remarks members of the "Victory Choir" - a group of people in the
rehabilitation program - performed a song called the "Thank You Lord for
Your Blessings on Me."

Then Dole poured sodas and answered residents' questions during the
mission's scheduled break time.

Rev. Ernie Mills, the shelter's founder, also showed Dole the future site
of the mission's new main building and the computer labs.

"(Dole's) visit means a lot to me," Mills said, "but even more to the
residents. Just her listening to them and their concerns, and challenging
them to complete the program, has been great."

Dole's visit was part of a campaign pledge to visit all 100 North Carolina
counties before the 2002 election. It was her second recent visit to
Durham. After stopping in Nash and Wake counties earlier Friday, Dole has
already traveled to 34 counties.

An Elon College poll released Friday showed that Dole enjoys a significant
lead over Democratic challengers. If the election were held today, the poll
shows Dole defeating her nearest challenger, Erskine Bowles, by a 4-to-1
margin.

The Durham Rescue Mission is funded privately and serves more than 140 of
Durham's homeless every night. It offers an 11-month rehabilitation program
for men and a nine-month program for women.