Key strategist quits Alexander's staff, may join Bush's

By Jill Zuckman, Globe Staff, April 6, 1999

Patrick W. Griffin, one of New Hampshire's top Republican strategists, has dumped his longtime client, Lamar Alexander, and there is speculation that he will sign on with Texas Governor George W. Bush's campaign this spring, sources said.

Griffin said yesterday that he had decided against renewing his contract with Alexander, the former governor of Tennessee, because of heavy corporate client demands. In addition, he said, WMUR-TV, another client, has asked him to provide on-air analysis for the 2000 New Hampshire presidential primary.

Griffin said he has not had discussions with any other campaigns, although he described himself as a free agent who loves presidential politics.

"I would not rule out down the road that I might be involved again," said Griffin, who said goodbye to Alexander in Nashville last week. "Never is a very difficult word to say."

New Hampshire political insiders say Griffin will almost certainly rejoin a campaign -- the most likely one being Bush's. One source said that Bush is expected to announce at the end of May that he has hired Griffin to run his campaign in New Hampshire. Griffin worked for Bush's father, the former president, in 1992 and was a supporter in 1988.

A Bush campaign spokeswoman, Karen Hughes, said no one from the campaign has entered into discussions with Griffin.

Alexander still retains the support and guidance of Thomas D. Rath, a prominent lawyer and political activist in Concord. But despite nearly 100 percent name recognition in the state, Alexander has been languishing in the polls among the 10 other Republican candidates for president.

Yesterday, Rath said he is "heartbroken" over Griffin's departure and hopes he will come back to the Alexander campaign at some point. Rath also said Griffin had agonized over his decision, but that he has young children and did not want to travel.

"Pat's a very significant part of the things we've done from the advertising to the lobster bake," said Rath. "Of course it hurts."

Rath also said that Griffin has been "extraordinarily honorable" in the way he has handled his departure from the Alexander team. He said he does not believe Griffin will join another campaign.

"The speculation is inevitable, but that is not what he has told me and I would be surprised if he has entertained any other offers," Rath said.

Griffin had worked for Alexander since 1993, helping him achieve a third-place finish in the 1996 New Hampshire primary behind Patrick J. Buchanan, the winner, and Bob Dole.

Besides Alexander, Griffin ran congressional races for New Hampshire Republicans.