Searching for virtue in the vice

It will take more than Bob Dole's resignation from the Senate and full-time concentration on running for president to jumpstart his sputtering campaign. Mr. Dole's vice presidential pick is crucial to unite the right. That key activists themselves can't unite behind one candidate, however, underscores Mr. Dole's dilemma. | Bob Jones

Carroll Campbell is waiting for his phone to ring. The former two-term governor of South Carolina now heads a Washington-based insurance trade group, but he's itching to get back into politics. Problem is, he can't run for the office he has his eye on. At least, he can't appear to. Instead, Mr. Campbell has to be content with granting interviews, polishing his resumé, talking up his record. And watching that phone.

Welcome to the world of Veepstakes '96. America's first VP may have considered it "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived," but the number-two position has gained considerable cachet since the time of John Adams. With Republicans this year nominating a 72-year-old to the top of the ticket, the name just under Bob Dole's is especially important.