Parties, Meetings, Politicking Mark Candidates Day in Boston

For thousands of television viewers, last night's Democratic or residential candidates' debate may have been a chance to take an early peek at the pack.

But for the seven contenders, the Kennedy School event was only one stop in a day jam packed with fundraising, politicking, meetings with Harvard professors, and, for at least four of them, a post-debate reception at the ritzy Brattle St. home of Mr. and Mrs. William LeMessurier.

Front-runner Walter F. Mondale held an afternoon press conference before attending a series of private meetings.

Mondale said yesterday that he had met with Dean of the K- School Graham T. Allison '62 and Professor of Government Joseph S. Nye Jr. He called the academics "old friends who frequently advise me."

Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D-S.C.) chatted with talk show host Jerry Williams for two hours yesterday afternoon, and attended the LeMessurier bash in the evening.

Sen. Gary W. Hart (D-Colo) used the afternoon to make another pitch for the student vote.

After joining Sen Alan Cranston (D-Cahl) at a Brandeis University rally, Hart dropped in on Boston Globe political reporter Chris Black's study group and chatted for an hour with 60 students.

Shortly after the forum, Hart joined 80 supporters at the Eliot House Grill, where they had watched the debate on three television sets.

After being introduced as "the next President of the United States," Hart stepped forward and asked, "Y'all got any beer?"

Cranston held a press conference at Brandeis for student newspaper editors before the rally and stressed his "Peace and Jobs" platform.

Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew met yesterday afternoon with Allison and Robert B. Reich, lecturer in public policy at the K-School.

Sen John Glenn (D-Ohio) left town directly after the debate. Glenn aides said yesterday.

The forum attracted a smattering of well known politicians and celebrities Joan Kennedy, the ex-wife of Sen Edward M. Kennedy '54 (D-Mass) swept through the forum lobby about a half an hour before the debate commenced.

Boston mayoral finalist Raymond L. Flynn lingered outside after the forum, talking with supporters and journalists.

One of the candidates Flynn defeated also made an appearance outside the K- School Michael Gelber, a beam weapon advocate and disciple of presidential candidate Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. remained outside the forum, charging. "They have seven prostitutes lecturing on gonorrhea, and they're not letting the doctor [LaRouche] speak."