Tsongas to stay out of race // But he keeps options open, refuses to endorse Clinton

BOSTON Removing one more obstacle to Bill Clinton's nomination,Paul E. Tsongas said Thursday that he would not re-enter a Democraticpresidential race in which he could end up a "spoiler" but not anominee.

Tsongas said that despite his strong showing as anon-campaigning candidate in Tuesday's primaries, Clinton's wins inNew York, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Kansas left him with no realistichope of victory.

"We did very well - but so did Bill Clinton," said the formerMassachusetts senator, who suspended his campaign March 19, citing alack of money. "That removed the argument that my re-entry wouldrescue the party."

But as he bowed out, Tsongas was not helping the Arkansasgovernor build the unity Clinton has said he needs to close out afractious primary season and begin rallying Democrats againstPresident Bush.

Tsongas declined to endorse Clinton. Even as he asked hisvolunteers to halt their efforts, he seemed to be positioning himselffor a key role at the convention and to remain an alternative ifClinton's campaign collapses.

Noting that his name would remain on the ballot in the year'sremaining 17 primaries and caucuses, Tsongas said voters in thosestates still would be able to "express support for my message." Hesaid his 539 delegates still would be able to represent him at theconvention. Clinton has 1,267 delegates; 2,145 are required fornomination.

"As for my role, I intend to make my voice heard," said Tsongas,who ran on a platform of economic revival and fiscal discipline. "Iwill do everything I can to create an environment where my message isthe message the Democrats run on."

Political analysts said Tsongas' exit gave Clinton a virtuallock on the nomination, but by highlighting remaining splits withinthe party, the incident reiterated how much Clinton must overcome.

"The nomination is now Clinton's to lose, but he's far from thatday every candidate imagines when the opposition evaporates and theparty unites," said Greg Schneiders, a Democratic politicalconsultant.

The remaining difference with the Tsongas camp, although not amajor obstacle, "is a problem - and Bill Clinton doesn't need anotherproblem."

Ronald Brown, the Democratic National Committee chairman, alsostressed the importance of Tsongas' supporters uniting withClinton's.

"We're coming out of a very negative period, and the candidatesneed a little rest," Brown said at breakfast in Washington. "Then weneed to focus on George Bush."