Sen. Gore, at 39, Youngest to Join President Race

Sen. Albert Gore Jr. of Tennessee said today he will run for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, making the 39-year-old freshman senator the youngest man seeking the White House.

In brief remarks at the Capitol, Gore said he was forming an exploratory committee “in preparation for my formal entry into the race later this spring.”

“This campaign will be an all-out effort in every region of our country,” said Gore, flanked by his wife, children and mother.

He said he intends to build a grass-roots campaign and called for volunteers “interested in getting involved in a winning campaign all the way to November of 1988.”

Gore’s announcement came a day after a Senate colleague, Paul Simon of Illinois, said he would make a bid for the Democratic nomination on a liberal platform of jobs, civil rights and arms control. (Story on Page 17.)

Both candidacies are considered long-shots.

Group Pledges Backing

Gore, who served in the House from 1977 until his election to the Senate in 1984, opened the door to a candidacy two weeks ago after being urged to run by a group of wealthy Democrats seeking a moderate Southerner as the party’s candidate. They pledged him their financial support.

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.