Former Nevada Congresswoman throws support behind Bush

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1999 | 10:11 a.m.

Vucanovich, who remains one of the most respected Republicans in Nevada, said she doesn't like the way Steve Forbes is attacking Bush and she fears Arizona Sen. John McCain is too quick-tempered to be president.

"I think George W. Bush is going to be the nominee and I support him wholeheartedly," said the former seven-term congresswoman who retired in 1996.

"He is very much like his father in mannerisms and so forth, but he has his mother's personality. He's a combination of both," she said.

"A lot of people in Washington are lawyers and don't have business experience. He has a lot of practical business experience," she said.

Forbes would "probably handle the job well" if he were elected, Vucanovich said.

But "I'm very disappointed in his attacks on George W. Bush and his feeling you can buy this position," she said.

Vucanovich said she and McCain were elected to the House at the same time and she likes him.

"He is an idealistic guy. He's a very humble guy in a lot of ways," she said.

"But I don't see John as serving as president of the United States ... He is still very emotional. He has a short fuse," she said.

Vucanovich said she is disappointed that Pat Buchanan has bolted the GOP to join the Reform Party.

"'I knew him when he worked for Nixon. I can't understand him doing it other than he might be trying to further his own career," she said.

"His supporters are strong right and there is nothing wrong with that. I'm a very conservative Republican. I don't know if the Reform Party is ready to accept his social views," she said.

Donald Trump's possible candidacy "is funny," Vucanovich said.

She said she's disappointed Elizabeth Dole dropped out. She said she is very fond of Mrs. Dole but isn't sure she would make a good GOP running mate.

"I've debated this in my mind a long time," she said. "Most Republican woman unfortunately do not attract other women to their party. It's just one of those things. I don't know why."