Ex-Bush Aide Atwater Turns to God

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Lee Atwater, who was accused of negative campaigning as head of George Bush’s run for the presidency, says he has turned to the Lord since being diagnosed with cancer.

“I have found Jesus Christ. It’s that simple. He’s made a difference, and I’m glad I’ve found him while there’s still time,” the Republican National Committee chairman said in an interview published Friday in The State newspaper.

Atwater, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in March, said he wants the world to know about his spiritual conversion.

“I don’t hate anybody anymore. For the first time in my life, I don’t hate somebody. I have nothing but good feelings toward people. It’s just no point in fighting and feuding,” he said.

Atwater made rapist Willie Horton a household name and turned the Pledge of Allegiance into an attack on Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis during the 1988 presidential campaign.