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

DATE: TUESDAY, November 28, 1995                   TAG: 9511280140
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                 LENGTH: Short

GINGRICH EXIT LEAVES CLEAR FIELD

House Speaker Newt Gingrich ruled out a 1996 presidential run Monday, leaving a clearly defined field to fight for the GOP nomination and little doubt the speaker will himself be a campaign issue.

It had long been clear that Gingrich was unlikely to join the presidential race, but not until Monday did he slam the door shut. He said he would not endorse a candidate, but hoped to serve as chairman of the Republican convention next August in San Diego.

Explaining his decision, Gingrich listed the daunting challenge he faces in trying to shepherd a balanced budget through Congress, calling it ``one of the most important decisions we've made in domestic government in the last 60 years.''

But political calculations also played a part. Iowa's caucuses and New Hampshire's primary are less than three months away, followed by a blizzard of early primaries.

``I didn't see how I could be both speaker of the House and run a campaign of that scale,'' Gingrich said.

His decision - and that of retired Gen. Colin Powell not to run - leaves the GOP field with a clear front-runner, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. Texas Sen. Phil Gramm, former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, publisher Steve Forbes and commentator Pat Buchanan are among those clamoring for an opening or a Dole stumble.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB