I don't know you tell me. Money and ads were pouring into this state for Dole six months before the primaries. By December of that year, it was a forgone conclusion that Mrs. Dole was going to be the candidate. Again, months before the primary. Local news offered polling based on who the voters would vote for between Bowles and Dole by January, again months before the primary.
At least Bowles had the decency to acknowledge those he ran against. I don't think Dole even mentioned her competition, much more qualified than she herself was, the entire time
I don't want Karl Rove, President Bush, the RNC, or any other national organization choosing well in advance of the primaries who I'm going to vote for or against in state races in the general election.