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I would imagine Stephenson fully supports Ms Dole although, as mentioned, I suspect his fertile mind is now focusing on the 2004 statewide elections.

The Beaufort County GOP "establishment" is fractured at best with the County Chairman backing Ms Dole and a conservative County Commissioner equally backing Mr Snyder. Thus Beaufort County will be the rare venue where the GOP Senate primary race is decided on ideas instead of money. Should Mr Snyder indeed pull out victory there in the primary, it will signal significant weakness for Ms Dole "down east" in November.

Those looking for an early barometer of Ms Dole's ultimate chances will find the Beaufort County primary returns of great interest.

Concerning your First District question: Yes, this Committee is in the process of being de-engineered. This procedure is often utilized when a structure is in a state of near collapse. Several County Chairmen spent the convention examining ways to bring about new leadership there.

Meanwhile Mr Bowles prepares his next round of attack ads versus Ms Dole. Holding the smoking gun on the Red Cross scandal, his operatives seek to prep these "curious queries" with leaks to liberal media types in Orange County and Charlotte.

All in all, a very interesting cycle of events approaching.

Jomini, interesting comments. I have heard that there has been a search for new leadership in the 1st, and that there has been dissatisfaction with the presumed frontrunner for district chair, but have never heard of de-engineering. In the past, leadership has simply been overthrown at the district convention. It sounds like you are suggesting something else is in the works. Are you? Elizabeth Dole will carry Beaufort, in the primary and in the general. Name recognition, organization and money will carry the day, as they always do. Jim Snyder will run a respectable second, with the help of the Commissioner you refer to, who has his own baggage, as you well know. I am sure Ashley is thinking about 04, but with the possibilities that have opened up in 02, I doubt that all his energies are that far down the road. And there are possibilities, even without any help from State Headquarters. I suspect you and I know each other. We might even have talked in New Bern last weekend. Your insight is appreciated.