Dole in '80

I just wanted to point out that Ford said he wanted to run again in 1980 but that he didnt want another bitter Ford v Reagan primary fight ala 1976. Ford said he knew Reagan was running and decided to back down from running in 1980.

As for Bush, people need to remember he sowed the seeds for his 1980 run when Nixon asked him to be Chairman of the RNC (payback for Bush's failed Senate run in TX at Nixons encouragement). He had organization everywhere and almost won in New Hampshire over Reagan in 1980.
 
I just wanted to point out that Ford said he wanted to run again in 1980 but that he didnt want another bitter Ford v Reagan primary fight ala 1976. Ford said he knew Reagan was running and decided to back down from running in 1980.

As for Bush, people need to remember he sowed the seeds for his 1980 run when Nixon asked him to be Chairman of the RNC (payback for Bush's failed Senate run in TX at Nixons encouragement). He had organization everywhere and almost won in New Hampshire over Reagan in 1980.

Both very good points. Unlike Dole, Bush understood the importance of the primaries and planned for them assiduously. Also, he'd been a Congressman from Houston for sometime before attempting to run for the Senate, chairing the RNC, and being DCI.
 
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