Dole Believes Powell Would Accept No. 2 Spot

WASHINGTON — Despite Colin L. Powell’s flat rejection of the idea, Republican presidential front-runner Bob Dole said Sunday that he believes the retired general would agree to serve as his vice presidential running mate in 1996.

Appearing on NBC-TV’s “Meet the Press,” the Kansan said he is convinced that the retired general would “answer the call to duty.”

When Powell, former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced last month that he had decided not to enter the 1996 presidential campaign, he also said that he would not agree to serve as another candidate’s running mate. He said he had firmly ruled out any national political bid this election season.

Dole, the Senate majority leader, acknowledged that the much-admired Powell would clearly boost his fortunes in a head-to-head race against President Clinton.

“I think with his concern about America, his service to America and his concern about the future, bringing people together, blacks, whites, Hispanics, you know, we are one nation, and my view is that he would answer the call to duty again.”

Dole made it clear that he puts no stock in any rejection of a place on the ticket before an offer is actually made.

When the offer comes, Dole said, “it’s hard to turn down the president . . . the nominee.” He added that he would be surprised if Powell did turn down a vice presidential invitation.