RC>In case it's escaped your notice, Newt has been extremely
RC>quiet and has also lost 20-30 lbs. Given his silence and
RC>the recently otherwise target-rich environment, there has
RC>been a near-cessation of Newt-bashing. Not unexpectedly,
RC>his rating in the polls has seen a consequent steady rise.
RC>We may be looking at a Newt-OwlGore matchup in 2000 even if
RC>Gore escapes judicial action. Given the OwlGore camp's
RC>inflated opinion of Gore's debate skills after the
RC>Gore-Kemp debate, a Newt-OwlGore debate should be quite
RC>entertaining.  
 
        The frontrunner, if it's not too early to declare a frontrunner
for the Republican nomination at this point, appears to be George Bush
Jr..   Of the polls I have seen to date he has a pretty substantial
lead with Forbes and Quayle jockeying back and forth for second place.
I have heard Gingrich plans to run and I have also heard Kemp plans to
run.  I also heard a rumor that Buchannan plans to sit out the
primaries this time around.  
        If I had to take bets today, I would put my money on Bush. I
don't think Quayle will be a serious contender.  Forbes will make a
splash but he's too shallow to win the nomination despite his unlimited
financial reserve.  Kemp seems to come up short and his conservative
credentials will be suspect.  Gingrich will be a sentimental favorite
with many people and his following will be loyal, but he will not be
viewed as someone who can actually win and his support will fade in the
primaries.
        I think it will come down to a Forbes - Bush contest and that
Bush will walk away with it. 
   
                                                 Mike Angwin
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