Dole, in Show of Unity, Invites Wilson to Speak

SAN DIEGO — Bob Dole, in another attempt to present a unified Republican Party at his nominating convention, invited Gov. Pete Wilson to make a prime-time appearance Wednesday to introduce his wife, Elizabeth.

Both sides portrayed the offer as a symbolic end to the squabble that erupted earlier this week when Wilson officials complained the governor was denied a prime-time speaking opportunity as retribution for his role last week in seeking abortion-rights language in the party’s platform.

“We are very pleased that we have the opportunity to address the convention and introduce one of the most potent weapons in the Dole-Kemp campaign arsenal,” said Sean Walsh, Wilson’s press secretary.

Convention officials confirmed that the request for Wilson’s appearance came from Dole. The governor learned about it shortly before noon when he was reached by Dole’s convention manager, Chuck Manafort.

“Tell Bob I’d be delighted,” Wilson’s staff quoted the governor as responding.

Campaign officials privately downplayed the appearance as little more than a symbolic bone. One explained, however, that “it will be one more appearance of unity.”