Sen. Simon of Illinois to Run for President

Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois, a scholarly liberal, said today he will run for the Democratic presidential nomination on the traditional issues of jobs, education and civil rights.

Simon, 58, a first-term senator who previously served 10 years in the House, said he will formally enter the race May 18. In the interim he has authorized formation of an exploratory committee.

“This great country can be a better country. That is the tradition of the Democratic Party and I am proud of that tradition,” he said in a four-page statement that invoked the names and goals of the last five Democratic Presidents.

Encouraged to Run

For the last week, there were mounting signs of a run by Simon, who had put himself out of contention during the winter. Colleagues said he was urged to run by labor leaders, spokesmen for the educational community, some congressmen and Democrats who wanted a mainline liberal in the race.

In his announcement, Simon embraced Democratic ideals of decent jobs for workers, health care for the elderly, quality education, strong civil rights laws and arms control.

“It can happen if we have leadership that cares, that is willing to bring out the best in us, leadership that has vision, leadership rooted in the traditional values of our party,” he said. “I am not a neo-anything. I am a Democrat.”

Opposed Tax Law

Simon was a leader last year in challenging the qualifications of President Reagan’s judicial appointees, but he also supported a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. He spoke against the new tax reform law--and voted against the Senate plan--but missed the final vote, on a Saturday, because he was speaking in New Hampshire.

Former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt and Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri already are announced candidates for the Democratic nomination. Former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart is scheduled to announce his bid Monday. Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson are considered certain to run.

Freshman Sen. Albert Gore Jr. (D-Tenn.) has said he will announce his decision Friday.

Simon, who is known for his trademark bow ties, after his 10 years in the House was elected to the Senate in 1984, beating three-term Republican Charles H. Percy in a rugged, high-spending race. His major legislative priority this year is a jobs and welfare reform program that would resemble the Works Progress Administration.