The Tiff for Tip's Seat

The spring after the quadrennial electoral bloodbath is traditionally a quiet time in the political world, but Bay State politicos are already gearing up for the next round--1986.

The most excitement should come close to home, where House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill (D-Cambridge) has ruled the district for more than 30 years. Though O'Neill has not definitely announced his retirement and is not expected to retire until the end of his next term, up to 50 local politicos are already plotting runs for the prestigious seat once held by John F. Kennedy '40.

With the '84 election out of the way, many strong contenders are coming out of the closet, leading observers to believe that the Democratic primary race will be a knock-down, drag-out battle between the region's heaviest heavies.

Almost a year before the race even starts, handicappers place good money on State Sens. Michael LoPresti Jr. '70 (D-Cambridge), George Bachrach (D-Watertown), Thomas J. Vallely (D-Boston), William F. Galvin (D-Boston), and big-time Cambridge lawyer and politico James Roosevelt of FDR fame.

Two other famous names have also been raised as contenders: Joseph Kennedy, president of Boston's Citizens' Energy Corp., and Thomas P. O'Neill III, former lieutenant governor and son of you-know who. Neither have so far shown any signs of candidacy.

LoPresti is also a famous name in Cambridge politics. His dad, Michael Lopresiti Sr., lost a bitter 1952 congressional race to none other than Tip O'Neill, and the younger LoPri man is known to be itching to avenge his father's loss 33 years ago.

Statewide, the Republican party is still predicting a return from the graveyard of irrelevance, though President Reagan--who carried this state last November 6--is the only GOP politician who has shown any signs of life.

Gov, Michael S. Dukakis, up for reelection to a third term in '86, has perceptibly moved to the center, proposing a tax cut and making overtures to the business community. No one expects any of the possible Republican challengers--led by two-time senatorial loser Raymond Shamie and White House official Andrew H. Card--will topple the Duke.

But former Gov. Edward J. King, a conservative Democrat whom Reagan has named his "favorite Democratic governor," may have a go at his archrival in the Democratic primary or as an Independent. King ousted a cocksure Dukakis in 1978. Dukakis toppled incumbent King in 1982, Round three--the rubber match--could be a doozie.