Smith Quits Run, May Return to GOP

Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire abandoned his independent campaign for the presidency Thursday, paving the way for his return to the Republican Party and a likely claim to succeed the late Sen. John H. Chafee (R-R.I.) as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

But Smith did not back off his scorching criticism of the GOP when he left it three months ago, and several Republicans, still bristling at his criticism, said he may have some “explaining” to do before the party rewards him with a powerful chairmanship.

Smith would have an edge over Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), who ranks directly behind Smith in tenure on the panel. Both are staunch conservatives with low ratings from environmental groups, presenting a sharp contrast with Chafee’s strong pro-environment record.

Smith said he was abandoning his independent candidacy because he could not raise enough money to finance it. He said he would not discuss his political plans until after the Saturday funeral of Chafee, who died Sunday.