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 CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Prime Minister John Howard announced Monday he plans to lead his party into next year's general elections, and his ambitious deputy said he'd put aside his own desire for the top job.
The announcement ended months of speculation that Howard, Australia's premier since 1996, would retire. In a letter faxed to lawmakers, he said he decided to run again after consulting widely with his ruling Liberal Party colleagues.
Peter Costello, who also is treasurer in Howard's Cabinet, then ruled out challenging the prime minister before the election or stepping down.
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