Speaking by telephone between campaign stops in New Hampshire, the Washington-based conservative activist tried to dampen speculation about his political future.

"I'm on the same message I've been on -- restoring protection to unborn children, a China policy closer to Ronald Reagan's than the Clintonian policies that even some of my opponents seem to support and I'm for a pro-family flat tax," Bauer said.

He plans to compete in a debate tonight with his other GOP rivals.

The former policy adviser for President Reagan placed fourth in Monday night's caucuses, winning 9 percent of the vote. He finished behind Alan Keyes, a former ambassador who, like Bauer, is competing for the support of social conservatives.

Another staunch conservative, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, finished last in the field of six and planned to drop out of the race today.

Bauer said New Hampshire has been kind to conservatives such as Pat Buchanan, and could breathe new life into his campaign. "The dynamics are different here than they were in Iowa," he said.

"There will be a whole bunch of these contests and I plan to stay focused," he said. "I'll tell you this, I didn't go from Newport, Ky., to Ronald Reagan's White House by being a quitter."

Bauer has fared well in the presidential debates, particularly as he sparred with front-runner George W. Bush. Polls show, however, that voters have been more impressed with the dynamic Keyes during these sessions.