THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 6, 1995 TAG: 9502060128
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Jack Kemp's decision not to run for president is one of several tectonic plates moving in the earth, shaking up the Republican Party, moving other presidential hopefuls to begin campaigning for 1996.
Pundits had concluded that Kemp had chosen the Super Bowl weekend so as to get the utmost publicity in an opening bid for the presidency.
But it occurred to me - and I said as much to Boomer, the Labrador retriever - that politics wouldn't get much notice that weekend and Kemp had picked that date precisely because he was not going to run.
Many Democrats regret Kemp's withdrawal. Some would have supported him all the way; others cherished him as a backup should their own party's choice be a sorry one.
Kemp has a broad streak of kindness. He is one of the few Republican leaders whom black voters admire as a friend. Kemp wants the GOP to be an inclusive big tent.
Other Republicans talk the big tent, but minorities suspect that the seating under the Republican big top would be segregated rigidly.
Among nine GOP presidential hopefuls , many are scrambling to enlist Kemp's people. Right-wingers contend that Texas Sen. Phil Gramm will net the most; but Majority Leader Bob Dole seems to be the biggest beneficiary.
Gramm has been winning straw polls and sweeping up donations, so Dole has had to move up his timetable for campaigning.
Two weeks ago when asked on a panel show if he were running, Dole said, ``Last time I looked I was.''
Such off-the-cuff drollery is part of Dole's charm; but he can cloud up in an instant and then his glare can be as expressive as his speech.
Midweek on David Letterman's show, Dole said he would run but would make a formal bid later.
On "Meet the Press" Sunday, Dole pinned down his announcement to around April 14, the 50th anniversary of his receiving a serious wound while fighting with the U.S. forces in Italy during World War II. That symbol will continue to bulk large should the Democrats nominate Bill Clinton, who did his utmost to stay out of uniform.
Aiding Dole's candidacy is the specter on his right - new House Floor Leader, Newt Gingrich. Alongside Gingrich Khan, Dole appears downright moderate.
Further, in a brisk sentence or two, as if he were tweaking a leash on a 600-pound gorilla, obedient only to him, Dole the keeper can pull Gingrich from some of his extreme statements.
Keeping in mind Gingrich's position behind Vice President Gore's in succession to the presidency, many voters are grateful for Dole's moderating influence.
What undid Kemp was his inability to raise $20 million to start campaigning. Most of the dough is on the right beyond Kemp's reach.
Sunny Kemp's withdrawal is a powerful argument for reforming excessive costs of state and national campaigns. ILLUSTRATION: Jack Kemp announced on Super Bowl weekend he won't run for
president in 1996.
In the GOP, Sen. Bob Dole should be the biggest beneficiary of
Kemp's withdrawal.
by CNB