In response to "Democrats consider giving Dole free pass" (Charlotte Observer, July 9):

Democrats aren't even remotely considering giving Elizabeth Dole a "free pass" next year.

After years of voting against health care for veterans, against community college students, against lower prescription drug prices and in favor of subsidies for big oil, Elizabeth Dole's record is finally catching up with her. It's no wonder Congressional Quarterly recently listed Sen. Dole among the five most vulnerable Republican senators.

"Elizabeth Dole cannot straddle between her allegiance to Bush’s failed policies and the wishes of her constituents, many of whom are now deployed in Iraq," said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek.

"Dole must decide whether she wants to protect the President and his failed war policy or change course to make America more secure. Democrats are committed to bringing a responsible end to the Iraq war so that we may increase America’s security, both here and abroad, and fight terrorism more effectively."

Revealing her partisan allegiances, Elizabeth Dole today voted against a no-confidence vote on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales even though Gonzales is directly responsible for the mismanagement and politicization of the Justice Department.

An analysis published today in Congressional Quarterly lists her seat as one of the top five most competitive in the country. Read the full article here.

The political journal cites her stunning loss of six GOP seats during her tenure as chairwoman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee as a harbinger of her vulnerability.

"Congressional Quarterly's conclusion that Elizabeth Dole is vulnerable is right on point," said N.C. Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek.

"After years of voting against our veterans, against our community college students, against lower prescription drug prices, and in favor of subsidies for big oil, Elizabeth Dole's record is finally catching up with her," Meek said.

Where’s Liddy on the issues that matter to North Carolinians?

• Minimum Wage: Dole voted NO to increase the federal minimum wage. (Amend the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; .S Amdt. 4322 to S. 2766, June 21, 2006)
• Jobs & the Economy: Dole voted NO to repealing tax subsidies for companies that move American jobs offshore. (Tax Subsidy for Domestic Companies Amendment; Bill S AMDT 210 to S Con Res 18; vote number 2005-63 on Mar 17, 2005)
• Prescription Drugs: Dole voted NO to allowing the federal government to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. (Prescription Drug Amendment; Bill S.Amdt. 214 to S.Con.Res. 18; vote number 2005-60 on Mar 17, 2005)
• Veterans Affairs: Dole voted NO to health care benefits for veterans. (S Amdt 2735 to S Amdt 2707 to HR 4297: To support the health needs of our veterans and military personnel and reduce the deficit by making tax rates fairer for all Americans.)
• Education: Dole voted NO to provide $52 million for after-school programs. (Amendment to Agencies Appropriations Act; Bill S Amdt 2287 to HR 3010; vote number 2005-279 on Oct 27, 2005)

Gas, Tuition, and Prescription Medicine: you name it, Dole and Bush have made it more expensive.

Dole and Bush have made it more difficult for young people go to college. Just today the Washington Post reported that the Bush administration killed a proposal to clamp down on the student loan industry six years ago. This following allegations that companies sought to shower universities with financial favors to help generate business, according to documents and interviews with government officials.

Bush, Dole, and their energy friends will let Americans feel the pain this summer with constantly rising gas prices. With no end in sight it is time to make a change in America's energy policy.

The Bush Part D is a special interest law that Dole supported. It was written by and for the drug and insurance companies, and prohibits Medicare from negotiating for the lowest possible drug prices for seniors. This plan is costly, complicated, corrupt and denies seniors the choice of a prescription drug benefit directly from Medicare. Part D must be fixed to put seniors first, not drug and insurance companies.

Bush's approval rating plunges further in N.C.

Fewer North Carolinians than ever approve of how President Bush is doing his job, including his handling of the economy and the Iraq war, according to a new poll from Elon University.

Missing: Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-NC

Age: 70

Last Reported Sighting: None. She called a public hearing for Tuesday in Charlotte to discuss the Navy’s plans to build an outlying landing field in eastern North Carolina. More than 300 people showed up for the meeting, but no Liddy.  When Elizabeth Dole fails to show up at her own meeting, there is a serious problem.  Given that Elizabeth Dole isn't from North Carolina, and rarely visits, there is cause to suspect she may be lost.

Date of Disappearance: 2002 – That’s when she went back to Washington D.C. after visiting North Carolina for election season.