‘88 Peeks Around the Corner

One can argue that it doesn’t matter much these days what a national political party chairman says, since central party authority has waned so much. Chairmen, or chairwomen, have only a sliver of the clout of old-time party bosses. Chairmen these days have to be careful of what they say for fear of offending one faction or another. So it is refreshing that Democratic National Chairman Paul G. Kirk Jr. of Massachusetts is willing to speak his mind once in a while.

Kirk offered the thought the other day that Democrats should consider putting a Southerner on the ticket in 1988. That is not a very startling idea. Kirk’s suggesting it is not likely to affect what happens. But it is unusual for a national party chairman to say it aloud. The notion triggered shudders and a flurry of Jimmy Carter jokes. But there is considerable political talent in the South, and Democrats at least should not skirt the region because of the Carter experience. Consider, among others, Arkansas’ Dale Bumpers and Bill Clinton, Florida’s Bob Graham, Georgia’s Sam Nunn, South Carolina’s Jesse Jackson and Virginia’s Chuck Robb, and neighboring Southwesterners Mark White of Texas and Bruce Babbitt of Arizona.

But Kirk addressed a related subject on which his opinion may count for something. He encouraged the idea of a regional presidential primary in the South in 1988. Leaders of both parties in 15 Southern states have agreed to work toward coordinating their primaries and delegate selection caucuses. Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma now are scheduled for March 8; at least eight other states may go along.

Political power is moving south and west; such a regional primary would balance some of the early primary influence of the Northeast and Midwest. It also would simplify campaign logistics for the candidates, and make the campaign less chaotic for the voter. It’s definitely worth a trial.