Will a Texan be VP candidate?

By ANNA M. TINSLEY
Harte-Hanks Austin Bureau

SAN ANTONIO - As GOP delegates gather here for their state's convention, the names of at least three Texas Republican officials are being batted around as potential running mates for presidential candidate Bob Dole.

There's just one problem: None of them want the job.

As Texas prospects for Dole's running mate grow dim, political observers say it doesn't look like the Lone Star state will see a local Republican vice-president on the ballot this year.

A handful of Texas candidates have been mentioned as possibilities - one of the state's most well-known female legislators, a prominent Hispanic leader and the governor with the familiar name.

While U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla and Gov. George W. Bush have all noted speculation of whether they will join Dole on the platform, the state leaders all say they are perfectly happy with their current jobs.

"Those names keep coming up because the people who are interested in the job don't seem to have much spark value," said Bruce Buchanan, a government professor at the University of Texas. "Dole needs a vice-presidential candidate who can give his campaign some spark. And of the Texans on that list, none want it.

"At the moment, I don't see a real plausible Texan for the ticket, unless (Gov.) George Bush changes his mind."

But that isn't likely to happen, according to the Bush office.

"Gov. Bush does not believe he'll be asked," said spokesman Ray Sullivan. "His focus is on Texas and being a great governor for Texas. The rumor and speculation is understandable when you consider he is the governor of the second largest state and his name is George Bush. "But he is happy and proud to be the governor of Texas."

Hutchison has publicly said other candidates should be considered before she is.

But that hasn't stopped speculation that she might be picked for the coveted slot.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has been lobbying Dole to consider U.S. Rep. Henry Bonilla, R-Texas, as a possible vice presidential candidate.

Last month, Hatch said he has been pushing Bonilla for the slot and said Dole is seriously considering his suggestion.

While touting the contributions of the Hispanic community, Hatch said, "the Democrats take them for granted and the Republicans don't know they're there. It's time they were recognized for their contributions to America."

While Bonilla is flattered by the attention, he, too, said he wants to continue in his current job.