CAMPAIGN ’88 : Babbitt Attack Scored

Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, returning to Iowa for a final pre-caucus blitz, sharply scolded former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt on Tuesday for his weekend criticism of Dukakis and other Democratic front-runners.

“I just think it’s unfortunate people feel that they have to strike out in those closing days, as Bruce has,” Dukakis said after arriving at the airport in Des Moines. “You know, if you’re going to lose, lose with dignity.”

Babbitt, using blunt words to rally last-minute support, had on Sunday denounced Dukakis’ plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by collecting billions of dollars in unpaid taxes as a “fraud,” and spoke harshly as well about the campaign proposals of Missouri Rep. Richard A. Gephardt and Illinois Sen. Paul Simon.

“It’s been a good race so far, and it’s important to keep it that way,” said Dukakis, who has framed his campaign around an upbeat message and has generally steered clear of intra-Democratic squabbles.

Dukakis, whose campaign has been trying to deflate growing expectations that he will finish strongly in Iowa, said it would be a “minor miracle” if he were to win here. But “nothing is inconceivable,” Dukakis said.