Candidate Dole Visits Chapel Hill Restaurant

The stop was part of Dole's pledge to visit each of North Carolina's 100 counties at least once before Election Day.

Dole attended the N.C. State Fair on Sunday and crowned the Homecoming queen at a Salisbury High School football game Friday night.

Campaign spokesman Jay Warshaw said Dole had visited roughly 20 counties so far. Her husband, Bob Dole, accompanied her on visits to several western counties last week.

Elizabeth Dole also has received an important endorsement from Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory in the past week.

Dole's campaign workers arrived at Mama Dip's at about 8 a.m. and passed out bumper stickers, support forms and fliers detailing the policies of Dole and N.C. Citizens for a Sound Economy.

Dole arrived to a round of applause from the roughly 70 supporters in attendance. She was then ushered around the restaurant by her campaign managers to greet and chat with almost every supporter in attendance, asking them about their families and exchanging personal stories.

Dole did not focus on campaign issues.

On several occasions Dole posed for a picture with young children and some adults. She also signed autographs and listened to stories of previous encounters with her supporters.

She then sat down for a cup of coffee before talking with some late arrivers.

But Dole didn't stay long, leaving shortly after 9 a.m. to travel to Burlington for a lunch gathering at The Cutting Board Restaurant at noon.

Although many people turned out for the early campaign stop, Mama Dips was not quite filled to capacity. Several tables remained empty as most patrons enjoyed breakfast while waiting for Dole to arrive.

One supporter, Ted Heiser of Chapel Hill, said he decided to come out and support her because the stop was so close. Heiser said he supports Dole wholeheartedly for many reasons.

"She's conservative, she's an honest and decent person and I think she will help Bush with his presidency," Heiser said. "She also has experience having held offices like president of the American Red Cross."

He also added that he did not agree with critics who say she is not a true North Carolinian. "I don't buy the complaints that she is a carpetbagger," Heiser said. "She was born and raised here. She is a native of North Carolina."

Warshaw said the campaign chose Dips because it has long been an institution in Chapel Hill. "It's a good place for her to meet folks, talk with community leaders and enjoy breakfast," Warshaw said. "Dole is attempting to build grass roots support, hear local concerns and reach out directly to the voters."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.