Sen. Coats Opts Against 1998 Reelection Bid
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INDIANAPOLIS — Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), who advanced to the Senate when former boss Dan Quayle became vice president, sidestepped what could have been a bruising political battle when he announced Monday he won’t seek reelection in 1998.
“I want to leave when I am young enough to contribute somewhere else--young enough to resume a career outside government,” the 53-year-old lawyer said.
Gov. Evan Bayh, a Democrat leaving office after the maximum of two consecutive terms, was expected to challenge Coats next year. Coats said he could win against Bayh but dreaded the “single-minded, two-year devotion” to fund-raising and campaigning.
Coats said announcing his intention early gives potential GOP successors time to prepare. Among the names mentioned were Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, Rep. David M. McIntosh and Quayle.
Quayle, who now lives in Arizona, has said he is interested only in the presidency. “There is life after politics,” he said in a statement Monday.
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