Different, but not too Different

Every candidate knows that he has to differentiate himself from the other candidates entered in a campaign. But a major problem for GOP senators hoping to run for the White House arises from their own current office. They have to cooperate with President Bush while they try to show how they are different from each other and him.

National Journal's Hotline today has an article about this dilemma. It quoted Democrat strategist Mary Anne Marsh, who noted more repercussions for those senators who stray from the President on issues like stem cell and Iraq, "the [GOP] activists who dominate the nominating process are sticking with Bush on those issues."