CAMPAIGN FUND RAISING

By John F. Dickerson/Washington

To raise the money to run for president, it's not only necessary to start early, it's imperative to stop others from starting early. That's why calls are being made to top Republican donors on behalf of ELIZABETH DOLE. The word is out to Republican bigwigs not to make early commitments to other candidates. Even if the Mrs. decides not to run, the calls have side benefits. Says a Dole intimate: "Does it help her chance at future appointments if her name is in the mix? Does it help her husband's law practice? Does it help the Republican Party with the gender gap if a dynamic woman is being talked about?" Yes, yes and yes.

--By John F. Dickerson/Washington