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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Report: Dole Will Quit If Presidential Bid Fails

Compiled From Wire Services

If Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole fails in his third try for the presidency, the Kansas Republican says he may not seek re-election to the Senate in 1998.

The 71-year-old Dole has served in the Senate since 1968, following four terms in the House. A 1998 campaign would be for his sixth six-year Senate term.

In comments first published Wednesday in New York Newsday, Dole said some in Congress “hang around here for too long” and expressed some doubt he would seek re-election if his 1996 bid for the White House is unsuccessful.

“I would say the chances are unlikely I would run for the Senate again,” Dole said.

Later Wednesday, after the Newsday story appeared, Dole issued a statement to clarify his position.

“The only election decision I’ve made is for 1996. I haven’t made any decisions about 1998, but obviously, if I am successful in ‘96, that decision won’t be necessary,” he said.