{PAGE 1} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. November 16, 1989 BOB DOLE KANSAS Dear Lee, I appreciated you and Mary joining me and my Republican Senate colleagues for breakfast this morning. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope you feel the same way. I'd like to get together periodically on issues of concern to our Party and perhaps include some of my other colleagues on various discussions. I think it's important for Senate Republicans to give you their views on our efforts as a Party, and hope that you feel these types of meetings are helpful to you in formulating our Party's agenda. We've got a lot of work to do to prepare for next year's elections. I'm personally committed to doing all I can to help elect more Republicans at every level of government. If I can be of assistance over the recess, give me a call. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Lee Atwater Chairman Republican National Committee 310 First Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 {page 2} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Mary, Thanks for joining me and my Republican Senate colleagues for breakfast this morning. I was pleased we were able to have such a lively exchange of ideas on issues important to us as a Party. I'd like to have exchanges like these on a periodic basis, if you and Lee feel they're beneficial. I think it's important for you to hear from Republican Senators and hope you found their suggestions helpful. I look forward to working with you on next year's elections. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE Ms. Mary Matalin Chief of Staff Republican National Committee 310 First Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20004 {page 3} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Kit, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. Thanks for giving us the "Missouri perspective" on the Webster decision. Your insights on media buys by your opponent were informative, as we look toward campaign reform. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate. Thanks again, Kit, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Kit Bond United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 4} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Bill, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You made some very good points. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Bill. Your retirement will be a tremendous loss on this side of the aisle. You articulate your positions in a way that makes people listen and learn from what you have to offer. Thanks again, Bill, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Bill Armstrong United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 5} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Strom, Thanks for joining me and Lee this morning for breakfast. It's obvious Lee got his early training from someone who knew how to get things done! We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate and making you President pro tempore again. Thanks again, Strom, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Strom Thurmond United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 6} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. November 16, 1989 BOB DOLE KANSAS Dear Conrad, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You were right on target when you talked about not letting up in the last 72 hours of the campaign and making sure the voters know you want the job. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans -- particularly here in the U.S. Senate. It would be nice to have you in the Majority! Thanks again, Conrad, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Conrad Burns United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 7} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Thad, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You and Trent offered some good suggestions on campaigns and the national party's control. I'm sure Lee enjoyed hearing your side of the story. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate so we can be in the Leadership for the Majority Party. Thanks again, Thad, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Thad Cochran United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 8} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Kit, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. Thanks for giving us the "Missouri perspective" on the Webster decision. Your insights on media buys by your opponent were informative, as we look toward campaign reform. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate. Thanks again, Kit, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Kit Bond United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 9} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Jack, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. Thanks for giving us the "Missouri perspective" on the Webster decision. You articulated your position well, and brought up some points I'm sure Lee found useful in formulating our Party's strategy. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate. Thanks again, Jack, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable John Danforth United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 10} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Jim, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans -- particularly here in the U.S. Senate. It would be nice to have you in the Majority! Thanks again, Jim, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. {Bob Dole's signature} Sincerely, BOB DOLE The Honorable Jim Jeffords United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 11} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Trent, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You and Thad offered some good suggestions on campaigns and the national party's control. I'm sure Lee benefitted from hearing your side of the story. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans. You know how committed I am to winning back the Majority in the Senate. It will be good to have you in the Majority. Thanks again, Trent, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Trent Lott United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 12} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. November 16, 1989 BOB DOLE KANSAS Dear Al, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You offered some good suggestions on campaigns and the national party's stand on abortion. It's always entertaining to hear you discuss your point of view. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans particularly here in the Senate so you and I can be part of the Majority Leadership team. Thanks again, Al, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Alan K. Simpson United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 13} UNITED STATES SENATE OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, D. C. BOB DOLE KANSAS November 16, 1989 Dear Ted, Thanks for joining me and Lee Atwater this morning for breakfast. I believe our exchange was mutually beneficial and hope to host more meetings like this over the course of time. You offered some good suggestions on campaigns and the national party's stand on abortion. I'm sure Lee benefitted from your point of view. We've got some important work to do in gearing up for 1990, and I appreciate your offering your suggestions on how we can improve our chances of electing more Republicans -- particularly here in the Senate. Thanks again, Ted, for joining us. Elizabeth joins me in extending our warmest personal wishes. Sincerely, {Bob Dole's signature} BOB DOLE The Honorable Ted Stevens United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 {page 14} BREAKFAST MEETING WITH LEE ATWATER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989 - 8:30 A.M. S-230 :selected: 1 Dole :selected: 2 Armstrong :selected: 3 Bond :selected: 4 Burns 5 {crossed out: Chafee} 6 {crossed out: Cohen} :selected: 7 Cochran :selected: 8 Danforth :selected: 9 Lott 10 {crossed out: Packwood} not sure :selected: 11 Simpson :selected: 12 Stevens :selected: 13 Thurmond Nickles - will be late - will not eat - don't use name tag :selected: Jeffords 14 Mary Matalin 15 Judy Biviano 16 Atwater 15 standard 1 oatmeal 16 total Richard - - don't use place cards 9:30 p.m. {page 15} BREAKFAST MEETING WITH LEE ATWATER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989 - 8:30 A.M. S-230 :selected: Dole :selected: Armstrong :selected: Bond :selected: Burns {crossed out: Chafee} {crossed out: Cohen} :selected: Cochran :selected: Danforth :selected: Lott {crossed out: Packwood} - not sure :selected: Simpson :selected: Stevens :selected: Thurmond Nickles - will be late - will not eat :selected: Jeffords :selected: Mary Matalin :selected: Judy Biviano {page 16} BREAKFAST MEETING WITH LEE ATWATER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989 - 8:30 A.M. S-230 Dole Armstrong Bond Burns Chafee Cohen Cochran Danforth Lott Packwood Simpson Stevens Thurmond Nickles - will be late - will not eat Jeffords Mary Matalin Judy Bivian {page 17} November 15, 1989 MEMORANDUM FOR THE LEADER FROM: JUDY BIVIANO SUBJECT: SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS/TALKING POINTS FOR BREAKFAST WITH LEE ATWATER AND REPUBLICAN SENATORS Attached is a summary of potential topics you may wish to raise at the Lee Atwater breakfast. I've also briefly summarized some ideas on these subjects. David has prepared an additional summary of where we are on redistricting and campaign finance reform for your perusal. Thank you. {page 18} SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT BREAKFAST MEETING WITH REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN LEE ATWATER I. 1989 ELECTION WRAP-UP a. The effect of negative campaign tactics and commercials. b. How Republican losses affect our prospects of redistricting. II. FUTURE ELECTIONS: 1990 a. Role of the President in the 1990 elections (particularly Senate races) b. Utilizing the lessons we've learned in 1989 to help us win in 1990. III. ABORTION a. Does our Party need to modify our position? b. Can we educate candidates to better articulate their views on abortion? c. We must effectively communicate our message that it's acceptable from a Republican Party perspective to allow "differing views" on abortion. IV. STRENGTHENING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY a. The Republican Party is a Party of Ideas We are not a single issue Party. We need to get the message out on issues where we continue to be strong (i.e., foreign affairs, defense, continued economic growth). We must develop a coherent national message which can be communicated to state and local candidates. b. Broadening the Republican Base Republican Outreach -- The Party of Inclusion concept: How can we help spread the Republican message of peace and prosperity through coordination between our surrogates both in Congress and in the States to help us broaden our base. Campaign Finance Reform (See Memorandum from David) Redistricting (See Memorandum from David) {page 19} November 15, 1989 TO: SENATOR DOLE FROM: DAVID TAYLOR SUBJECT: Notes on Redistricting and Campaign Finance Reform Judy informed me that you will meet with Lee Atwater and a group of Senate Republicans tomorrow to discuss a number of issues. She asked me to prepare some background information on redistricting and campaign finance reform. Redistricting: This is a top priority for Atwater and the primary reason that he is carefully targeting RNC resources into state and local elections. He was instrumental in getting a federal redistricting standard into the President's campaign reform plan. Recent estimates suggest that between 15 and 17 congressional seats will move to other states as a result of the 1990 Census. The table below outlines the expected changes. State Gain/Loss Legislature Governor CA +5 to 7 D Open FL +3 to 4 D Open TX +3 D Open AZ +1 R Open GA +1 D D NC +1 R R (no veto) VA +1 D D NY -3 R-sen/D-hs D IL -2 D Open MI -2 R-sen/D-hs Open PA -2 R-sen/D-hs Open IA -1 D R IN -1 split sen/D-hs Open KS -1 R R MA -1 D D MT -1 D R WV -1 D D KY -1 (possible) D D WI -1 (possible) D R Campaign Reform: Atwater's long-term goal is to strengthen the base of the GOP. His major themes are increased competition and redistricting. Most of our Senators take a shorter, more personal view on this issue. The reason is that increased competition endangers job security. As incumbents, they are much more reluctant to weaken incumbent advantages than the Republican leadership (Senator {page 20} -- 2 -- Stevens' views about the frank is a classic example). House Republicans are even more squeamish on this issue. Most would like to see modest reforms and get the issue off the table. If the Republican Party is going to make any headway on this issue, we must reach a bicameral agreement on the goal of reform. {page 21} BREAKFAST MEETING WITH LEE ATWATER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989 - 8:30 A.M. S-230 1. Dole - pro life Nickles - will be late - will not eat do not set a place card 2. Armstrong 3 Bond 4 Burns 5 Danforth 6 Lott 7 Simpson choice 8 Stevens chaine 9 Thurmond 10 Cochran- pro-life- mixed prochoice 14 standard /bacon/ fruit cup) // Mary Matalin 12 Judy Biviano 13. Packwood-Choice - not sure HAHA oatmeal/ muffins 14 Chafee @ breakfast pro choice 15 Atwater Cohen - [Donna] pro choice 14 standard/bacon/fruit cup 1 oatmeal/muffins {crossed out: (Kassebaum) pro choice} {a drawing of a dining table seating arrangement. on the left head of the table is Dole. on the right head of the table is Judy B. next to Judy B is Matalin.} {page 22} 12 standard 1 13 BREAKFAST MEETING WITH LEE ATWATER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989 - 8:30 A.M. S-230 Atwater Dole Nickles - will be late - will not eat Armstrong Thurmond Simpson Stevens Bond {crossed out: Hatfield} Mcclure - had a conflict he could not get out of {crossed out: Hatfield} - will be in Oregon (tentative) Judy B. mary Matlin Matalin {arrow pointing from Stevens} Lott - wcb Burns - wcb YES yes Danforth- {illegible} - NO - Conflict Blake Williams 8:30 13 driver 's name Mark Mascarenhas {illegible} DC 126899 1. {page 23} BOB DOLE KANSAS United States Senate OFFICE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WASHINGTON, DC 20510 November 8, 1989 Senator: Lee Atwater would be available at {highlighted: 8:30 on Thursday, November 16.} He would like to bring his chief of staff, Mary Matlin. Betty indicated that you would be avaiable on the 16th. Joyce Judy Biviano driver OK wcb Nickles - juice (stop by) N McClure - shelley - w.c.b. Armstrong - YES Thurmond - OK Simpson - OK Hatfield - NO - out of town Stevens - - - YES Bond - YES ANN