Nation: He's Proud He's a Politician

But Howard Baker faces long odds in his presidential bid

"I'm proud of Joe because he is a politician and I'm proud that I'm a politician." Thus Senator Howard Baker, 53, sounded one of his main campaign themes last week at a dinner given by New York's Nassau County Republican Chairman Joseph Margiotta. Hands in his pockets, exuding an easy sincerity, the Senate minority leader gave an apt demonstration of the down-home-style politics that he hopes will carry him to the presidency. Last week he became the ninth Republican to declare his candidacy.

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