Forbes to Decide on GOP Candidacy by September

WASHINGTON — Millionaire publisher Malcolm S. Forbes Jr. said Saturday he will decide by September whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination, and will pay initial campaign costs out of his own pocket.

Forbes, 47, used an appearance on CNN’s “Evans & Novak” to outline his stand on a range of domestic and international issues. Faulting the political vision of the current array of GOP candidates and dubbing himself a “pro-growth, pro-opportunity” Republican, Forbes endorsed replacing the present income tax system with a flat tax.

He said he opposes government funding for abortions, performing abortions late in a pregnancy and allowing minors to obtain abortions without parental consent.

He also said the time is near for the United States to extend diplomatic recognition to Vietnam. President Clinton is close to a decision on whether to re-establish full diplomatic relations with that country.

Forbes, who succeeded his father, the late Malcolm S. Forbes Sr., as president and CEO of Forbes Inc., said his candidacy would be based upon his conviction that a unique opportunity exists to improve the living standards and quality of life of all Americans.

He contended that none of the other 10 GOP contenders “have given the impression” that they understand that.

Asked about individual candidates, Forbes said that while Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) has an excellent record as majority leader he has not demonstrated he can lead the nation.

“Where is his compass?” Forbes asked.

“Unfortunately, the whole crop of candidates--there’s no point singling out Bob Dole--gives the impression that they do the political equivalent of painting by the numbers,” Forbes said. “That’s not leadership.”

Forbes, who has never been a candidate for public office, said that if he does run, “I will use my own resources initially to help get my message across” before turning to others for contributions.