Sat, Feb 2, 2002
Helms gives Dole strong endorsement for his office
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., has endorsed Elizabeth Dole as his favored successor when he leaves office at the end of the year.
Speaking to a national gathering of more than 1,000 conservative activists in Arlington, Va., on Thursday, Helms broke with a long-standing tradition of staying out of Republican primaries.
"This lady, mark my words, will make North Carolina proud next January when she marches down that center aisle in the U.S. Senate and takes office as the new conservative Republican senator from North Carolina," Helms said.
The voters have spoken. Time will tell.