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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Thursday, February 11, 1999

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) may have had a lot of free time to sit and think about a bid for the presidency, but President Clinton's impeachment trial has kept him out of Iowa and New Hampshire. Now that the trial is coming to an end, he is planning to decide by the end of the month. Kerry, who has planned a March visit to New Hampshire, said he would forego the formation of an exploratory committee in favor of jumping straight into the campaign.

"I don't want to sound hard-core, but why did you become a single parent? Is it government's job to make up for someone's mistakes?" – Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, responding to a heckling college student who said she couldn't get a job to pay for college because she was a single parent. (The Star-Tribune, Feb. 11) .

• Kerry Heading for New Hampshire in March (The Boston Globe, Feb. 10)
• Kerry May Jump Start Candidacy (The Boston Herald, Feb. 10)

Denver's Convention Chances Improve
The longer it takes for the Democratic Party to close a deal with Los Angeles for its 2000 presidential nominating convention, chances improve that Democrats will choose Denver.
• Dems' Foot-Dragging Boosts Denver Chances for Convention (Rocky Mountain News, Feb. 11)

N.C. Republican Eyes Helms Seat; Burr to Decide on Gubernatorial Run
North Carolina state Rep. Sam Ellis (R) is exploring a bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jesse Helms (R). Ellis said he is only scoping things out in the off-chance that the 77-year-old Helms decides not to seek reelection.
• Under the Dome: Ellis to Test Waters (The News & Observer, Raleigh, Feb. 11)

Rep. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said the he will announce on Friday whether he intends to run for governor in 2000.
• Burr to Decide on Governor's Race by Friday (The News & Record, Greensboro, Feb. 11)

Ryan Thornburg can be reached at ryan.thornburg@washingtonpost.com