
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1993                   TAG: 9306300014
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

LIBERAL SENATOR FROM OHIO TO RETIRE

Howard Metzenbaum said Tuesday he will not run for re-election next year, announcing an end to a two-decade career as one of the Senate's most liberal and outspoken members.

"My regrets are few, my memories are treasured, my health is great and my love for the cause now is undiminished," the three-term Ohio Democrat said in a speech from the Senate floor.

"I have voted my conscience, spoken my mind and Metzenbaum fought on the side I believed to be right," he declared.

The decision had been widely expected. Metzenbaum disbanded his campaign committee in 1990.

Metzenbaum, 76, said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Shirley, and their family. "I've concluded that it's time to turn the final pages of this chapter of my life and begin another," he said.

The self-made millionaire, former labor lawyer and union lobbyist has championed worker issues and was a driving force behind the law requiring 60-day notice of plant closings.

He has also been called "Senator No" and "Headline Howard" for his ability to block legislation and get publicity for himself. But there were no negative words as colleagues paid him tribute on the Senate floor after his announcement.

In Ohio, Republicans already were planning their strategy for 1994. Lt. Gov. Mike DeWine has announced he will seek the GOP nomination; State Sen. Eugene Watts is expected to make an announcement soon.

by CNB