CAMPAIGN ’88 : Rival Still Dogs Dukakis

In Massachusetts, a state known for fierce political rivalries, few run deeper than the one between Dukakis and former Gov. Edward F. King.

In 1978, King handed the governor his bitterest political defeat, beating him in the Democratic primary when Dukakis ran for reelection. Four years later, Dukakis returned the favor, returning to the Statehouse by defeating King.

And now, King, having become a Republican and a supporter of Bush for President, is preparing to stump the country “pointing out as best I can what Dukakis has done in contrast to what he says.”

A speech in Massachusetts this week was an indication of the message King will be delivering over the next few weeks at appearances in Texas, Virginia and San Diego. He attacked Dukakis for having increased state spending “$3 billion more than the rate of inflation” over the last six years and challenged the governor’s record on such matters as economic development and welfare reform.

King, now a California real-estate developer based in Newport Beach, said he did not know how many campaign appearances he would be making. “I’m just going to respond whenever I’m asked by the vice president,” he said.