Kerry's stock rises in VP sweepstakes

Senator John Kerry

By Joe Battenfeld

July 14, 2000 Web posted at: 11:42 AM EDT (1542 GMT)

BOSTON, Massachusetts (The Boston Herald) -- U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry's ascension as a finalist for the Democratic vice presidential nomination is causing new tremors back in Massachusetts, with Gov. Paul Cellucci likely eyeing Kerry's seat in Washington.

Sources close to Kerry and Al Gore's presidential campaign say the Massachusetts senator is one of three candidates now under serious consideration as Gore's running mate.

Kerry, along with Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, are believed to be the top remaining contenders for the No. 2 post, sources said.

``He (Kerry) is in the top three,'' a Democratic official said.

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Sources confirmed yesterday that Gore is planning to make his pick earlier than expected, probably right after the Republican National Convention finishes in early August.

If Kerry becomes vice president, or takes a Gore cabinet post, the governor would have the power to appoint a successor until the 2002 election. Cellucci could step down and have Lt. Gov. Jane Swift name him the senator, leaving her as governor.

A source close to the governor called such a scenario a ``strong possibility.''

But if Texas Gov. George W. Bush wins the presidency, Cellucci is all but certain to step down anyway to take a major position in the administration, allowing Swift to fill out the last two years of his term.

If Kerry's seat became vacant, Cellucci would face pressure from national Republicans to take the Democrat's place, sources said. Cellucci is one of only a few Republicans in Massachusetts who would be able to mount a strong campaign to hold on to the seat in 2002.

Former Senate candidate Mitt Romney is another possibility to replace Kerry, but he is now running Salt Lake City's 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Romney is also considering running for governor in 2002 if Cellucci does not seek re-election.

Republican and Democratic officials agree that if Kerry wins a spot on the Democratic ticket, Cellucci would be in a strong position - both as a key adviser to the Bush campaign and a potential U.S. senator.

``It might be a two-fer,'' Secretary of State William Galvin said.

Another Democratic official who asked not to be named said he agreed that if Kerry leaves the Senate it would make it more difficult for a Democrat to replace him in 2002.

``That clearly puts Cellucci in the driver's seat,'' the official said.

Cellucci aides say their ``mouths are watering'' in anticipation of a Kerry vice presidential bid.

``It's a no-lose proposition for Cellucci,'' one strategist said. ``It puts him into the middle of the campaign.''

Kerry's departure also would set off a mad scramble among top Democrats, some of whom are now considering a gubernatorial bid in two years.

U.S. Rep. Martin T. Meehan (D-Lowell) would likely mount a Senate campaign, according to sources. Former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II also could decide to return to politics to join his uncle, Edward M. Kennedy, in the Senate.

Neither Kerry nor Gore campaign officials would comment yesterday.

``The search is progressing,'' Gore campaign spokesman Jano Cabrera said.

Kerry, however, has already met with former Secretary of State Warren Christopher, who is leading Gore's search, and has made numerous appearances for Gore on the stump.

Gephardt has rocketed to the top of the vice presidential list lately because he is a proven and aggressive campaigner. Graham's major strength is that he would give Gore a chance at winning the key electoral state of Florida.

Kerry, however, is the top pick of several Gore advisers, largely because of his debating and campaign skills and Vietnam veteran background. Kerry's stock could soar even further if Bush picks as his running mate Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, also a Vietnam veteran.

Kerry also comes with another possible plus: his wife, Teresa Heinz, is from Pennsylvania and remains popular in the state.

``Kerry would be a perfect foil to Ridge,'' a source close to Kerry said.

Gore considering naming VP immediately after GOP convention

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