Gingrich Sets Timetable For 2000 Decision

He considers himself among the GOP's top 20 presidential possibilities

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Dec. 19) -- House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he has set Labor Day 1999 for deciding whether to run for president in 2000.

Gingrich told the Marietta, Ga., Daily Journal he considers himself among the GOP's viable presidential candidates.

"If you put together a list of 20, I am on that list," Gingrich said. He said he'll make up his mind about a White House bid on Labor Day 1999, much as President Bill Clinton did on Labor Day 1991.

Gingrich, who bounced back after an attempted coup by disaffected GOP lawmakers earlier in the year, said other potential GOP presidential nominees include 1996 vice-presidential nominee Jack Kemp, former Vice President Dan Quayle, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, Michigan Gov. John Engler and Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Gingrich said his immediate goal is to maintain the GOP majority in the House in next year's midterm elections.

While not saying the idea of her boss running for president is unreal at this point, Gingrich spokeswoman Christina Martin called the concept "a hypothetical wrapped in a prospect, wrapped in a possibility."

In Other News:

Friday Dec. 19, 1997

• Kemp To Boycott Race Meeting
• Clinton Chooses Ivey To Head Arts Group
• Gingrich Sets Timetable For 2000 Decision
• Justice Blocks Anti-competitive Computer Marketing