1996 . . . QUAYLE'S EXIT LEAVES CHRISTIAN RIGHT SHOPPING

Former Vice President Dan Quayledropped out of the 1996 presidential race. Quayle adviser Mark Goodin said recent health problems had nothing to do with the decision; instead, Goodin said, Quayle's failure to raise a substantial campaign war chest so far "threw a bucket of cold water on his enthusiasm." Which presidential hopeful benefits?TIME religion writer Richard N. Ostlingnotes the ex-Veep was the last "cultural" conservative left with substantial support from the religious "pro-family" movement, now an important Republican constituency. Ironically, Ostling says,Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole-- who is generally perceived as a political moderate -- now has an inside track with those voters. Today, Ostling notes, Christian Coaltion director Ralph Reed dubbed Dole the "front-runner" for his support of anti-abortion efforts. Reed mentioned only one other GOP candidate, Texas Sen. Phil Gramm, whom he prodded for keeping mum so far on "families and values."