Republican candidate for President and Texas Governor George W. Bush was attacked, killed, and partially eaten by a grizzly bear on the campaign trail Saturday.  The bear was later apprehended by US Forest Service officials and destroyed.

The incident left the Republican Party without a Presidential candidate.  Party leaders were cautiously optimistic Sunday morning that a replacement for Gov. Bush would be found quickly.

"We look at this as an opportunity to show the American people that we are a Party of strength and determination," said Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.).  "You can take away our nominee, eat him, and we'll still fight the good fight."

There were indications Sunday that Republicans intended to blame the incident on Democratic candidate Al Gore and on the Clinton administration.  Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) said, "We know Al Gore is the candidate of radical environmentalists.  We know he's got a whole nature lobby behind him.  I think we see here a case of 'you scratch my back, and I'll eat your opponent.'"

Representative Dan Burton (R-Ind.) called for immediate Congressional hearings.  "This is incontrovertible proof that Al Gore is involved in illegal activities, attempting to steal the election.  He must have known of the grizzly attack's planning."  Burton demanded the Gore campaign turn over all internal memos, emails, and meeting agendas to his office by Tuesday at noon.  "One way or another, we'll get to the bottom of this and reveal Vice President Gore's connection to the attack."

The Gore campaign dismissed these claims as "sour grapes."  Speaking to a rally in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vice President Gore said he was "deeply moved" by Gov. Bush's fate, but "the campaign has to keep going.  Older Americans who need prescription drugs they can afford don't care that my opponent has been mauled by a grizzly.  They need drug coverage, not excuses."  On "This Week," Gore said he "wondered" if the incident was "the Governor's attempt to avoid the debates."

President Clinton called the events "regretable," but also pointed out that as President his power to control wildlife was limited.  "Without cooperation from Republicans in Congress, I can only do so much to assure our safety from hungry wild bears.  I think the incident with Gov. Bush serves as a reminder of this issue, and I hope Congressional Republicans take it to heart."

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), appearing on CNN's "Late Edition," called upon fellow Republicans to identify a new candidate quickly.  Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) announced at a press conference that he was "ready, willing, and able" to resume his candidacy immediately. "One thing's for sure," McCain said, "my Vietnam experience has fully prepared me to defend myself against bear attacks. I mean, it can have my arm. I wouldn't even flinch like Gov. Bush."

The Election will be held November 7.