Deukmejian Rejects Speculation His Odds in VP Derby Are Better

Gov. George Deukmejian rejected speculation that Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis’ choice of a Texas senator Tuesday as a vice presidential running mate increases the odds that the California governor will get the Republican vice presidential nomination.

Dukakis’ decision to pick Sen. Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate triggered a wave of speculation that Vice President George Bush, the certain GOP presidential nominee, would counter by choosing Deukmejian to help the Republican Party carry California.

Insisting that he would not accept a spot on the GOP ticket, Deukmejian said Bentsen’s selection would work to the advantage of Republicans because the Texas Democrat is little known outside his home state and is inexperienced in foreign affairs.

“From the standpoint of a Republican, it’s a choice we probably ought to welcome,” Deukmejian told reporters at the close of the Western Governors Assn. conference. “I don’t see where it strengthens the Democratic ticket at all.”

The Republican governor, who in the past has kept a low national profile, is taking an increasingly active role in affairs outside California.

He took over Tuesday as chairman of the Western Governors Assn., saying that he will use the post during the next year to promote international trade with the Western states.

Later in the day, he attended a private fund-raising reception with 20 Washington state business leaders who paid at least $1,200 each to meet with him. The fund-raiser was the second of five such events the governor plans to appear at across the country to raise money for Republican Senate and House candidates.

“I’m just being a good party soldier and doing my part and trying to help out where I can,” Deukmejian said.

Deukmejian had left the door slightly ajar a month ago that he might accept an offer to become Bush’s running mate when he told reporters, “You never say never.” But he seemed to close it firmly in Seattle, saying that he will not accept the vice presidential nomination because winning in November would force him to leave the governorship in the hands of Lt. Gov. Leo T. McCarthy, a Democrat.

“I know that I wouldn’t even be asked, and even if I was asked I can’t take it because I have a lieutenant governor who is of the Democratic Party,” he said. “I’m not about to turn over the whole executive branch of government to the other party.”

Deukmejian reiterated his view that Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole or Rep. Jack F. Kemp, both of whom ran against Bush in the primaries, would add the most to the GOP ticket.

“George Bush can carry California whether I’m on the ticket or not,” he said.

Democrats Praise Choice

Although Deukmejian seemed to relish Dukakis’ choice of Bentsen, several Democratic governors attending the conference praised the Texas senator as a strong candidate who will help their party win.

“He’s a terrific guy,” said Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, who served as secretary of transportation in the Carter Administration. “He’s very tough. He’s very careful. He’s measured with his language.”

Both Goldschmidt and fellow Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus of Idaho said they had personally recommended to Dukakis that Bentsen would boost the chances of a Democratic victory.