'76 Presidential Candidates Attract Student Politicos

The 1976 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination boasts a growing list of candidates vying to replace Gerald R. Ford in the White House in January 1977.

Likewise, the scorecard of Democratic campaign groups at Harvard runs long; the organizations support two senators, a congressman, a former senator, a former governor, a former vice presidential candidate, and a college president.

The seven Harvard campaign groups are currently focusing their efforts on the December 13 endorsement meeting of the Harvard-Radcliffe Young Democrats Club.

Over the long run, the Harvard campaign coordinators are trying to organize an efficient organization and core of workers which can absorb the surge of volunteers expected before the primaries.

The coordinators apparently disagree on the impact of college students on the election.

Paul E. Maslin '77, co-ordinator for Carter, who hopes to take spring term off and work for the Carter campaign, said this week that 1976 will be a good time to receive political experience. "It's the year for the college student," he said.

But Dennis J. Saffran '76, co-ordinator for Harris, said this week he believes that because of increasing apathy college students will be less important in 1976 than they were in 1968 and 1972.

The Harvard groups generally center their strategy for reaching people around personal contact at information tables in the Union and the Houses. They also contact students who signed up for information when the candidate came to speak at Harvard.

Alfred B. Lewis '78, co-ordinator for Jackson, said this week that he tries to help Jackson through advertising and distributing information. He also said he talks to those who might be interested in Jackson, especially students from Washington, Jackson's home state.

Lewis said he believes Jackson appeals more to working class and ethnic groups than to student interests. However, he said, Harvard volunteers will be essential in issue research, fund raising, and other campaign duties.

Joel F. Feldman '76, co-ordinator for Bayh, said this week that he has not used any tables in the Houses or Union since he feels Bayh's record "speaks for itself." People are drawn to Bayh for is ideological slant and voting record, Feldman said.

The range of interest in the Young Democrats' endorsement meeting varies, drawing the most attention from campaigns' with high volunteer interest that could benefit the most from a Harvard endorsement.

Maslin, co-ordinator for Carter, said an endorsement for Carter would have more implications on the national scene than one for a liberal figure like Udall or Bayh.

Saffran said his organization is encountering resistance from the volunteers who do not want to join the Young Democrats because it is not "action oriented enough." Saffran said he is still encouraging Harris volunteers to join and then remain in the club to work for change.

Aaron L. Friedberg '78, co-chairman for the Udall campaign, said this week he expects student interest in all the campaigns to pick up in February as the primaries become more of a reality