Simon Lying in Wait for Rivals in Illinois

Sen. Paul Simon, silent in the South, lies in wait for Democratic rivals Michael S. Dukakis and the Rev. Jesse Jackson as the presidential campaign turns north to Illinois this week, while Sen. Bob Dole is readying a Republican last stand in the state against George Bush.

Jackson hopes to reap delegates and votes in Chicago, where he lives, and Simon seeks strength from state Democratic leaders who have encouraged him to keep his fading campaign afloat. The Illinois primary is next Tuesday.

Challenge by Dukakis

The home-state candidates face a strong challenge from Massachusetts Gov. Dukakis, whose well-heeled and well-organized staff has scoured the state since last fall and has slates in all districts. In a state struggling with plant closings and job losses, Dukakis probably will hammer away at economic themes.

Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri is not expected to mount a major campaign in Illinois. He sees no hope of success, given Simon’s and Jackson’s built-in strengths and Dukakis’ substantial effort.

“I think . . . we’re going to look at the state beyond (Illinois), and that’s Michigan,” Gephardt spokesman Mark Johnson said.

Sen. Albert Gore Jr. of Tennessee plans to spend part of the week in Illinois, as does former Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado.

On the Republican side, Dole, a Kansan who has done well in the Midwest and calls Illinois “friendly territory,” has another shot at farm votes.

However, Vice President Bush is backed by Gov. James R. Thompson, 93 of 102 county leaders and other influential state leaders.

“There are no areas we consider ourselves weak in,” said Ed Murnane, Bush’s deputy campaign director.

Dole also has a strong state operation, with coordinators in all counties and well-known delegate candidates, campaign director Mark Schroeder said. Dole’s organization began shifting forces to Illinois even before Super Tuesday.

Rep. Jack Kemp of New York and former religious broadcaster Pat Robertson were not expected to be major factors.

More than 5.9 million residents are registered to vote in Tuesday’s primary--the lowest number for any statewide election since 1982. The race is divided into a non-binding presidential preference vote, dubbed the “beauty contest,” and the selection of delegates pledged to a candidate or uncommitted.

Because of heavy emphasis on earlier races, the candidates have devoted little time to Illinois, where 113 Democratic and 82 GOP delegates will be chosen Tuesday.