Sen. Simon of Illinois Enters President Race

Illinois Sen. Paul Simon said Thursday that he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first of his party’s White House aspirants to describe himself as a “traditional” Democrat following in the activist trail blazed by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

In promising “leadership that has vision, leadership rooted in the traditional values of our party,” Simon said: “I am not a neo-anything,” a reference to the so-called neo-liberals who have called for change in the party’s liberal doctrines. “I am a Democrat.”

Simon’s chief asset as a candidate, besides the strategic importance of his home state, is his reputation for high-minded liberalism, which, as much as his habitual bow ties, has been the hallmark of his long political career. He won his first election to the Illinois Legislature in 1954 and entered Congress in 1975, serving five terms in the House before winning his Senate seat in 1984.

But some analysts question whether Simon is well suited in terms of style and background to gain the Democratic nomination in 1988 at a time when his party is in ferment and many of its leaders are calling for change.

At 58, Simon apparently will be the oldest of the Democratic contenders for the presidency. Although warm and friendly, he is short and unprepossessing in appearance. As the author of 11 books, he is oftened linked in intellectual achievement to his fellow Illinoisan, the late Gov. Adlai E. Stevenson. But even Simon’s admirers concede that he lacks Stevenson’s sparkling wit and rhetorical flair.

Wife Was Lawmaker

Simon is bookish, and associates say that his wife, Jeanne, whom he met when both were serving in the Illinois Legislature, complains that he refuses to read novels, concentrating instead on weighty nonfiction.

Adding to the difficulties facing any contender as little known outside his own state as Simon, his equivocation about running has made some in the party view him as indecisive and may have cost him potential support.

Simon’s announcement Thursday that he had authorized the formation of a presidential campaign committee occurred six weeks after he called a press conference to announce that he had decided not to run. He explained at the time that, after only two years in the Senate, he wanted to gain more experience on Capitol Hill and would support Arkansas Sen. Dale Bumpers for the nomination. But Bumpers decided not to run.

Switch Not Explained

Simon offered no explanation for the switch in the four-minute statement he read Thursday in a crowded Senate caucus room. He was hustled away afterward by his staff, refusing to answer a shouted question about why he had changed his mind.

But Floyd Fithian, his Senate chief of staff, said that Bumpers’ decision not to enter the race left “a whole chunk of spectrum (among Democrats) that’s open, message-wise.” Like Simon, Fithian shied away from the word “liberal,” now out of political fashion, to describe the segment to which Simon is appealing. He said he preferred the term “traditional” instead.

In his statement, Simon assured Illinois voters that “this step is not taken lightly.” He added: “I would not be entering this contest unless I believed I could win.”

His strategy for winning the nomination, according to party sources familiar with his plans, depends heavily on obtaining liberal backing. But his credentials in this respect are not necessarily overwhelming.

Got ADA Rating of 80

In 1986, the liberal Americans for Democratic Action gave Simon a score of 80 in its legislative ratings based on 20 major domestic and foreign policy votes. Delaware Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., who also is expected to announce his candidacy this spring, got the same rating, and former Colorado Sen. Gary Hart received a 95.

Moreover, Simon has written a proposed constitutional amendment for balancing the budget, an idea that is anathema to most liberals.

More particularly, Simon’s strategists hope to make a strong showing in the Iowa precinct caucuses, where the Democratic delegate-selection process begins next February, because he comes from neighboring Illinois.

But the Iowa field is already crowded with Democratic contenders who have been campaigning there for months, including--besides Hart and Biden--former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt and Rep. Richard A. Gephardt, whose own state of Missouri also borders Iowa.

Home-State Primary

Simon’s prospects hinge on the Illinois primary in mid-March, where his aides hope that home-state voters will give him a boost. However, Democratic National Committeeman Mark Siegel said that “unless he can do well in Iowa, he may not be around for Illinois.”

One of the factors that encouraged Simon to run was a letter he received from 15 former Democratic House colleagues last June urging him to become a candidate. Rep. Pete Stark of Oakland, the leader of the group, continues to support him. But Simon’s aides said that they did not know how many of the others still could be counted on.

And Simon’s delay in making up his mind has cost him the support of former California Democratic Chairman Betty Smith. She is now backing Biden and recruiting other members of the Democratic National Committee to aid his candidacy.

Staff writer Bob Secter in Chicago contributed to this story.

SEN. PAUL SIMON

Born: Nov. 29, 1928, Eugene, Ore.

Parents: The late Rev. Martin Paul Simon, a Lutheran minister, and Ruth Troemel Simon, a publisher of religious periodicals.

Education: Attended University of Oregon, 1945-46, and Dana College, 1946-48.

Military Career: Army Counter-Intelligence Corps, 1951-53.

Professional Career: Editor-publisher, Troy (Ill.) Tribune, and weekly newspaper chain owner, 1948-66. Member, Illinois House, 1955-63; Illinois Senate, 1963-69. Illinois lieutenant governor, 1969-73. Sought Democratic gubernatorial nomination, 1972. Instructor, Sangamon State University, 1972-73. Lecturer, John F. Kennedy Institute of Politics, Harvard University, 1973. Member, U.S. House, 1975-85; U.S. Senate, 1985-present.

Family: Wife, Jeanne Hurley; daughter, son.

Religion: Lutheran.

Accomplishments: Seven-time recipient of “best legislator” award from Independent Voters of Illinois. Author, “Lovejoy: Martyr to Freedom,” “Lincoln’s Preparation for Greatness,” “A Hungry World,” “You Want to Change the World? So Change It!,” “The Tongue-Tied American,” “The Once and Future Democrats,” “The Glass House,” “Beginnings,” “Let’s Put America Back to Work.”

Positions: For $8-billion-a-year public works jobs program. Against aid to Nicaraguan rebels. For trade protection bill by Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Tex.). Against expanded testing of “Star Wars” anti-missile shield. For constitutional amendment requiring balanced budget. Against government intervention on abortion.

Strengths: Orthodox liberalism appeals to organized labor, other traditional Democrats. From delegate-rich state with early presidential primary. Bright. Affable. Courteous. Respected by colleagues for work on higher education, hunger issues.

Vulnerabilities: Not well-known nationally. Bland speaking style. Indistinctive appearance except for bow tie, often askew.