Breakfast with Lee Atwater, November 16, 1989

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Extent (Dublin Core)

23 pages

File Name (Dublin Core)

lead_395_053_all

Title (Dublin Core)

Breakfast with Lee Atwater, November 16, 1989

Date (Dublin Core)

1989-11-16

Date Created (Dublin Core)

1989-11-16

Congress (Dublin Core)

101st (1989-1991)

Policy Area (Curation)

Government Operations and Politics

Creator (Dublin Core)

Dole, Robert J., 1923-2021

Record Type (Dublin Core)

correspondence

notes (documents)

Names (Dublin Core)

See all items with this value Atwater, Lee

Rights (Dublin Core)

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/

Language (Dublin Core)

eng

Collection Finding Aid (Dublin Core)

https://dolearchivecollections.ku.edu/index.php?p=collections/findingaid&id=26&q=

Physical Location (Dublin Core)

Collection 007, Box 395, Folder 53

Institution (Dublin Core)

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Archival Collection (Dublin Core)

Robert J. Dole Republican Leadership Collection, 1985-1996

Full Text (Extract Text)

{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
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

Breakfast with Lee Atwater, November 16, 1989

Item