Bush Wins Support of N.J. Governor : Cuomo and Iacocca Praise 2 Democrats but Endorse Neither

George Bush picked up the endorsement of New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean today, while Democrat Albert Gore Jr. got kind words but no endorsement from New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and Richard A. Gephardt got the same from Chrysler Chairman Lee A. Iacocca.

The meetings came one day after Bush swept to his 23rd primary-season victory in Puerto Rico and after Democrats Michael S. Dukakis and Jesse Jackson recorded good weekend showings in Kansas, Texas and Puerto Rico.

Most of the Democrats were campaigning today in Michigan, where caucuses Saturday offer the next big delegate prize of the season, while Bush flew to New Jersey for a rally.

‘Who Doesn’t Apologize’

In meetings today with well-known non-candidates:

--Kean endorsed Bush in New Jersey, saying as Bush stood beside him at a rally: “We need a President who doesn’t apologize for what’s wrong with America, but who brags about what’s right. We need a President who doesn’t have his eyes fastened on the failings of the past but who gazes steadily at the opportunities of the future.”

--Cuomo said in Albany, N.Y., that he’d had an “excellent” and “interesting” meeting with Gore, but he told reporters that he is still not ready to endorse a Democratic presidential hopeful. “The endorsements don’t mean a great deal,” Cuomo said.

--In Michigan, Iacocca said, “Dick Gephardt’s a good friend of mine and he knows what he’s talking about on trade.” But he made no endorsement of the Missouri Democrat and said he is also looking forward to meeting with other presidential candidates.

‘Losing the Auto Industries’

Gephardt led the Democratic parade into Michigan, talking with auto executives and steel workers as he works for the victory he must have here to rescue his campaign.

“What does it profit this nation to conquer Grenada if we are losing the auto industries of Pontiac, Flint and Detroit?” he told Michigan Democrats over the weekend.

Wisconsin looks like the next major battleground for the Republicans after Bush won his latest victory in the Puerto Rico primary Sunday. The vice president won with ease over Sen. Bob Dole, who admitted that he has done little to slow down Bush’s drive for the GOP nomination.