Mondale starts search for running mate

Press, 14 June 1984, Page 11

Mondale starts search for running mate

NZPA-Reuter Washington A Presidential hopeful, Walter Mondale, says he hopes to start interviewing potential vice-presidential running mates within a week and his list will include women and minorityrace candidates. The disclosure was another token of Mr Mondale’s confidence that he has clinched the democratic Presidential nomination even though his main rivals, Gary Hart and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, are likely to stay in the race until the party convention in July.

“I view the selection of my running mate as the most important decision I will make as the Democratic nominee," the former Vice-President said in a statement issued by his office.

He gave no hint as to who might be on his list, but did say the choice would have to be “someone who is totally qualified to assume the office of President if that should be necessary” and someone personally compatible with Mr Mondale.

“I have been and will be personally involved every step along the way and I expect to interview many of the candidates myself before I make my decision." he said. “I hope to begin those interviews within a week.”

The personal search procedure he outlined was reminiscent of that used by the Democratic nominee, Jimmy Carter, in the (northern) summer of 1976, when he screened a string of candidates invited to his home in Plains, Georgia, and settled on Mr Mondale.

Mr Mondale likes to quip that he found Mr Carter’s

method superb.

In his statement, the former Vice-President said preliminary scouting had begun under his top aide, John Reilly, and that the search would extend far and wide, that hundreds of people would be consulted on the best choice and careful research conducted.

“Throughout my campaign, I have pledged that the selection of the VicePresident would include women and minorities. I will ensure that this pledge is honoured," he said.

Early speculation on Mr Mondal'e’s choice has run from Colorado Senator Hart to several female elected officials. While Mr Hart is the “dream ticket” choice of many Democrats because of his attraction for young, independent-minded voters who shy away from Mr Mondale, some analysts say too much blood has washed in their primary battle to make such a ticket practical.

The choice of a woman is generally regarded in political circles as risky because polls have shown the gains and losses might cancel each other out in terms of voter reaction.

Some party officials believe Mr Mondale might take that step if he felt in need of a bold stroke to overcome President Ronald Reagan’s steady lead over him in opinion polls. Most short lists include Geraldine Ferraro of New York. Dianne Feinstein, and Pat Schroeder.

Few analysts see much chance for a black running mate this year. Mr Jackson dominates the field, but he is highly controversial because of radical foreign policy stands. k