Gore urged to officially announce presidential bid
May 26, 1999
Web posted at: 6:25 p.m. EDT (2225 GMT)
AMELIA ISLAND, Florida (AllPolitics, May 26) - Some of Vice President Al Gore's advisers are urging him to formally announce his candidacy for president in 2000 as early as June, according to several aides and advisers. But the sources on Gore's team say no final decision has been made.
Those advocating the early announcement believe it would give Gore's campaign a new focus after several weeks of criticism that the vice president's White House bid was off to a rocky start, the sources said.
Others in Gore's camp, however, believe the worries are exaggerated, and are urging him to wait until the fall to make a formal declaration of candidacy.
One close Gore adviser told CNN: "I wish I could tell you June was off the table but it is not. I would not rule that out. I think things have calmed down, but it is still an option."
Given the logistics and other planning obstacles, the advisers said a decision would have to be made within the next week or so.
Although he has not formally announced his candidacy, Gore has been actively campaigning and raising funds for weeks. He has also picked up key Democratic endorsements from House Minority leader Dick Gephardt and Senate Minority leader Tom Daschle.
Earlier this month Gore named former California Rep.Tony Coelho as general chairman of his 2000 campaign. The move, according to sources, was an attempt to quell internal bickering between some of Gore's private consultants, campaign staff and members of the vice president's office and free Gore up from refereeing the disputes.
Late last year Gore mailed paperwork to the Federal Election Commission creating a campaign committee. After he raised and spent just $5,000, he was considered an official candidate for president, subject to the laws and regulations governing presidential campaigns.
A formal announcement would not affect his standing with the FEC.
CNN's John King contributed to this report.
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