National Perspective : GOP RACE: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Sen. Bob Dole’s announcement that he is officially running for President brings the likely GOP field to nine. With the New Hampshire primary less than a year away, here is a rundown of who’s in, who’s out and who’s still undecided in the GOP race:

THEY’RE IN:

* BOB DOLE: A full-time politician since the days of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, Dole has been a member of Congress since 1961 and is now Senate majority leader. His extensive experience is the central focus of his campaign but in an age of support for term limits could also prove a handicap. 71 now, he would be the oldest man ever elected. He is a World War II veteran and sought the nomination in 1980 and 1988.

* PHIL GRAMM: The Texas senator portrays himself as the “real conservative.” He first became prominent in 1981, when as a junior member of the House of Representatives and a Democrat, he played a key role in pushing Ronald Reagan’s budget through Congress then switched parties. He takes pride in an uncompromising approach, but critics chide him for being rigid and abrasive. He has promised that he will balance the budget in his first term or not seek reelection.

* LAMAR ALEXANDER: A former governor of Tennessee and secretary of education in the Bush Administration, Alexander has focused his campaign on his claim of being an “outsider.” He advocates returning nearly all power over welfare, education and many other domestic programs to the states with no federal strings. Critics challenge his outsider credentials. He may also face questions about his wealth.

* ARLEN SPECTER: Senator from Pennsylvania, Specter has turned his campaign into a crusade against the power of the “religious right” and favors abortion rights. He describes his philosophy as conservative on spending, libertarian on social issues. A former district attorney, he also emphasizes crime-fighting. Probably best known nationally for his harsh cross-examination of Anita Faye Hill during the hearings over Clarence Thomas’ Supreme Court nomination.

* PAT BUCHANAN: The conservative columnist and talk-show commentator gained notoriety by challenging Bush in the 1992 primaries. This time, he bases his campaign on a nationalist plea to restrict the power of the United Nations and other international bodies and to impose new restrictions on trade. He has never held public office, but served as an aide in the Nixon and Reagan White Houses. He has strong support among activists in anti-abortion and other conservative groups.

* ALAN KEYES: A former mid-level State Department official in the Reagan Administration, Keyes unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in Maryland and has been a radio talk show host. His fiery speeches denouncing abortion and immorality have made him a favorite speaker of social conservatives. He is the first African American to seek the GOP nomination.

* RICHARD LUGAR: The senator from Indiana is one of his party’s leading figures on foreign policy and the only one now in the race who has made foreign affairs a focus of his campaign. Stopping the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons would be a priority for him, he ays. He has also proposed cuts in federal farm subsidies, saying that doing so proves he has the toughness to actually reduce federal spending.

ALMOST IN

* ROBERT DORNAN: The Orange County congressman has consistently been one of his party’s most colorful and outspoken conservatives. Critics call him irresponsible and bombastic. He is known for launching high-decibel attasks on Clinton, but sometimes on other Republicans as well, and while party professionals give him little chance of winning many votes, he is certain to make his presence heard in debates.

* PETE WILSON: California governor has formed and exploratory committee to run and visited key early primary states.

THEY’RE OUT:

* DAN QUAYLE: The former vice president, after vowing to run, bowed out Feb. 9, citing family reasons.

* DICK CHENEY: The Bush Administration defense secretary who served in Congress and was also President Ford’s chief of staff.

* JACK KEMP: The former star quarterback, New York congressman and Bush administration housing secretary took himself out of the running in January.

* WILLIAM BENNETT: The former education secretary and drug adviser, announced late last year he would not run.

* WILLIAM WELD: Massachusetts governor announced Feb. 28 that he will not seek presidency, citing family reasons.

UNDECIDED

* TOMMY THOMPSON: The Wisconsin governor has hinted that he might run. Promises a decision by June.

* JAMES BAKER: The former Secretary of State and Treasury secretary has said he is interested in running, but shows no signs of fund raising or organizing.

* NEWT GINGRICH: House Speaker said last month that he will not run in 1996. Nonetheless, some backers think he may change his mind.

QUESTION MARK

* COLIN POWELL: Despite sky-high approval ratings, he still refuses to say whether he’s a Republican or Democrat or whether he’s interested in elected office.

CALENDAR

Some key states in the 1996 GOP primary and caucus schedule: Iowa: Feb. 12 New Hampshire: Feb. 20 Georgia: March 5 New York: March 7 Texas: March 12 Florida: March 12 Illinois: March 19 Ohio: March 19 Michigan: March 19 California: March 26 Virginia: April 9 N. Carolina: May 7 New Jersey: June 4 Associated Press, Times Washington Bureau, Political Hotline