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Gary Bauer to explore 2000 GOP presidential bid
January 5, 1999 WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, January 5) -- Gary Bauer, the conservative activist and former domestic policy adviser to President Ronald Reagan, said Monday he is taking a leave of absence from two organizations he heads to explore a run for president in 2000. Bauer told CNN he would announce his decision on whether to run late this month.
Bauer heads the Family Research Council, a non-profit organization that promotes conservative social issues. He also heads a multi-candidate political action committee, the Campaign for Working Families, which raised roughly $7 million for conservative candidates in 1998. Bauer told Judy Woodruff on CNN's "Inside Politics" that he plans to capture the Reagan mantle by talking about conservative economic and social issues. Asked if he would speak out against abortion rights, Bauer said he would not shy away from his opposition to a policy that "treats unborn children like Styrofoam cups." Several other candidates are testing the presidential waters. On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Bob Smith of New Hampshire have formed presidential committees. Elizabeth Dole announced Monday she was resigning as president of the American Red Cross, clearing the way for her to explore a possible presidential run. Other candidates expected to join the race are former Vice President Dan Quayle, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, multimillionaire Steve Forbes and former Education Secretary Lamar Alexander. Forbes and Alexander were candidates for the GOP nomination in 1996. Another former 1996 contender, Pat Buchanan, is said to be looking at another run. House Budget chairman John Kasich is also looking at the race. On the Democratic side, Vice President Al Gore filed his papers last week to establish a presidential campaign committee. Sen. Paul Wellstone, of Minnesota has formed an exploratory committee and will make a final decision in the next few months. Other Democrats exploring a bid are House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, who ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in 1984 and 1988. MORE STORIES:Monday January 4, 1999
Senators remain divided over trial plans Hastert prepares to assume House speakership Democratic donor to plead guilty to illegal contributions Elizabeth Dole resigns Red Cross post, may test presidential waters Clinton proposes tax credit for long-term care of elderly, disabled Sen. Smith to announce presidential bid First lady's mom says Hillary doesn't discuss her marriage Q & A: An impeachment primer U.S. Mint distributes new quarters Ventura becomes Minnesota's governor Ashcroft may not get in 2000 race |