Pubdate: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 Date: 08/25/1999 Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) Author: Lester E. Schultz Oh, doesn't your heart just bleed for those poor Republicans whose darling candidate is being denounced for failing to be forthright concerning his use of cocaine? Remember how these same supporters of George W. Bush were so patient and understanding when early rumors spread about President Clinton? As Texas governor, Bush has willingly overseen the most executions of any state and some of the harshest penalties for cocaine use. He has championed the draconian measures regarding crime, yet he refuses to be straightforward about whether he himself broke these major laws. The word "candidate" includes the word "candid." This is especially true when it comes to a felony, which cocaine use is considered in conservative America. If this keeps up, the next thing those Democrats will do is tell us that Newt Gingrich lied when he proclaimed his leadership as a "family values" congressman. Will those progressives stop at nothing? Can't we just focus on the issues and Bush's candid offerings, whatever they may eventually be? Lester E. Schultz Glendale