August 18, 1999
Web posted at: 11:26 a.m. EDT (1526 GMT)

BEDFORD, New Hampshire -- One month after leaving the Republican Party, Sen. Bob Smith is abandoning his bid for the presidential nomination of the U.S. Taxpayer's Party.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting of business leaders, the New Hampshire Republican said Wednesday he would not seek the Taxpayers Party's endorsement at its nominating convention next month.

"I'm an independent, and I'm enjoying it, frankly. I feel free," he said at the "Politics and Eggs" meeting.

Sen. Bob Smith left the Republican party in July

However, personal reasons also may be affecting his plans. After his speech, Smith said his wife, Mary Jo, was admitted to Catholic Medical Center in Manchester on Tuesday with chest and arm pains and indicated her health could affect his plans.

"I still have a presidential campaign. At the moment, I haven't made a decision today," he said. "Right now, I'm focused on my family situation."

In his speech, Smith endorsed the Taxpayers Party but didn't not explain his change of heart except to say he had read George Washington's writings and decided he did not want to participate in partisan politics.

It was unclear whether Smith would pull out of the presidential race or run as an independent candidate.

Smith sought the Republican presidential nomination but his campaign failed to catch fire even in his home state of New Hampshire. Last month, he announced on the Senate floor last month he was leaving the GOP on grounds it had abandoned its conservative base. Smith is serving his second term in the Senate.

The Taxpayers Party had a candidate on the ballot in 39 states in 1996 and would have given Smith an organizational base to continue his campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Wednesday, August 18, 1999

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• Is Bush ready for the White House?
• McCain picks up Thompson endorsement
• Surveyors take measure of the Washington Monument
• Smith splits with Taxpayers Party
• Democrats, GOP clash on tax cuts during August recess
• Clinton vacation wrapped around work
• LaRouche seeks matching funds
• Aide: Giuliani not rethinking abortion
• Bradley touts gun, hate laws
• Bush circle of advisers diverse
• Tripp seeks indictment dismissal

• Poll: Gore score high favorable rating with blacks
• Sundquist endorses Bush after Alexander drops out
• Oxford invites Bush and Forbes to debate

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