 From 1977 to 1983 , Ford was a member of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee . He first sought the post of Democratic whip in 1988 , but lost to California 's Alan Cranston , who had held the post since 1977 . Ford got a late start in the race , and a New York Times writer opined that he overestimated his chances of unseating Cranston . Immediately after conceding his loss , he announced he would be a candidate for the position in the next election in 1990 . He again faced Cranston in the election , but Cranston withdrew from the race due to a battle with prostate cancer . Ford maintained that he had enough commitments of support in the Democratic caucus to have won without Cranston 's withdrawal . When majority leader George J. Mitchell retired from the Senate in 1994 , Ford showed some interest in the Democratic floor leader post . Ultimately , he decided against it , choosing to focus instead on Kentucky issues . He supported Christopher Dodd for majority leader . 
