Dukakis Leads 1st Round of Capitol Hill ‘Primary’

Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis led the balloting in the first round of the Capitol Hill “primary” today, when Senate Democrats named 43 members as “super delegates” to this summer’s convention. Jesse Jackson was shut out.

The presidential candidates focused their attention on the New York primary, where 255 delegates were at stake, but nearly as many convention seats were to be decided by Senate and House Democrats in sessions today and Wednesday.

Dukakis won the backing of 13 of those selected, while most of the professional politicians--21--remained uncommitted.

Jackson, Dukakis’ closest challenger, won no super delegates.

Sen. Albert Gore Jr., whose campaign was dependent on a good showing in today’s New York primary, was second to Dukakis, gaining the support of six of his Senate colleagues. He was named as a delegate as well.

Sen. Paul Simon, whose campaign is on hold, managed to win only a seat for himself and the backing of fellow Illinois Sen. Alan Dixon.

The Senate’s choices kept Dukakis’ overall delegate lead intact.

According to the AP count, Dukakis had 881 delegates to 745 for Jackson. Gore had 419 and Simon 183. Uncommitted delegates totaled 622.

Today’s choices came in a quick public vote by the Senate Democratic Conference, following weeks of secret jockeying for the spots at the convention in Atlanta in July.

Senate Democratic leader Robert C. Byrd said that the selection process was relatively painless.

“We were pleased that we were able to accommodate almost every Democratic member who requested to be an unpledged delegate,” the West Virginia Democrat said.

The House Democratic Caucus makes its official choices for 210 “super delegate” slots on Wednesday, and Dukakis is ahead among those already nominated for those positions as well.

A total of 646 of the 4,162 votes to be cast at the Atlanta convention will come from super delegates.