"Today I have reached a difficult personal decision. I will not be a candidate for Speaker of the 106th Congress.

The Republican conference needs to be unified, and it is time for me to move forward where I believe I still have a significant role to play for our country and our party.

My party will have my full support, and I will do all I can to help us win in 2000.

Work together

I urge my colleagues to pick leaders who can both reconcile and discipline, who can work together and communicate effectively.

They have my prayers and my thoughts as they undertake this task.

I want to thank everyone whose friendship and support has made these years enjoyable.

Marianne and I are grateful to the citizens of Georgia who gave us the wonderful opportunity to represent them and to my Republican colleagues who became our extended family.