Bush says only poor health would stop re-election bid

WASHINGTON President Bush all but announced his intention to seek re-election at a Rose Garden news conference Friday, saying only a change in his health would deter him from seeking a second term. Bush then tested a potential campaign theme by accus"frustratingly negative" Congress of blocking his domestic legislative agenda. As if determined to allay any lingering concerns about his health, Bush declared, " I feel like a million dollars," and said he was extraordinarily "blessed" for a man of 67. The remarks, his first since his return from the Soviet Union, were aimed at Democrats who this week accused him of abandoning social and financial problems at home for the glitter of global summitry. When asked about his re-election plans, Bush was initially coy, saying he had not decided whether to try for a second term and might not do so until next year. But moments later, he added that he knew of nothing that would stop him from making such a bid. "I'll be honest, the only thing would be a health problem, and I don't have one right now," Bush said. "But, I mean it wouldn't be fair to the American people to ask to be re-elected knowing that you, in your heart of hearts, might feel you couldn't finish the job. But I don't feel that way. "With that comment, Bush edged close to making the formal announcement that he said he would make early next year. Although incumbent presidents are usually reticent about announcing for a second term, Bush's strong hint may have been intended to scotch rumors among some Bush family friends that his wife, Barbara , might oppose a second term for health reasons. Bush stressed his feeling several times that he had fully recovered from the heart arrhythmia and thyroid problems he experienced in the spring. The White House later said Bush had been examined by his doctor, Burton Lee, and pronounced in "excellent health." The president said he would discuss his prospects for a second term with his Washington political advisers this weekend at the presidential retreat in Camp David, Md. The White House press office declined to disclose who would attend that meeting, saying Bush did not wish to publicly embarrass anyone left out. Associates of Bush said that the meeting was to be an informal gathering meant to convey the message that the president was serious about preparing for a second term and that no one should be lulled into overconfidence by his current political popularity. Those associates later said that a mix of Bush's current advisers and veterans of his 1981 and 1984 races for the White House would go to Camp David. They included Robert Teeter, Bush's pollster; Frederic V. Malek, an airline executive and longtime political friend; Commerce Secretary Robert A. Mosbacher; Vice President Dan Quayle; Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady; Ronald Kauf- man, a White House staff member and political adviser.