Jack Kemp

In the early 1990s, Jack Kemp seemed to be the Greek ideal of athlete and statesman. Republicans found his Reagan-style economics ideal, too. But after he and Bob Dole were defeated in the 1996 presidential election, Mr. Kemp disappeared from sight.

Kemp began breaking into pro football in 1957. He later played quarterback for both the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills. After his retirement, he served western New York as a representative for nine terms, from 1971 to 1989. He also served four years as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bush.

Today, Kemp is active with Habitat for Humanity and Empower America, an organization he cofounded in 1993. EA aims to promote entrepreneurship and advan- ce social policies that empower individuals.

In May, Kemp testified before Congress against what he saw as a "concealed tax increase" put forward by the FCC. In June, he began Michigan Build, a project to construct 180 houses for those in need.

Kemp says he won't run in the 2000 election.

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