Dukakis Visits State, Praises Work of Grass-Roots Party Organization

Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis returned to California on Saturday for the first time since losing the presidency and paid homage to the state’s Democratic grass-roots volunteers, saying, “I hope you won’t be discouraged.”

“What you’ve created here in California is something very special. It’s one of the best grass-roots organizations anywhere,” Dukakis said.

Although he lost California to President-elect George Bush, 48% to 51%, Dukakis won San Francisco and five other Bay Area counties.

Network of Volunteers

The network of volunteers, precinct leaders and organizers mobilized California’s massive get-out-the-vote effort that was credited with limiting Bush’s margin in the state to 3%, compared to 8% nationally.

Dukakis, with his wife Kitty at his side, found no cheering throngs and there were no busloads of reporters hustling after him. But the 250 Democratic Party faithful were still clamoring to shake his hand and get his autograph.

“I know you’re disappointed. I hope you won’t be discouraged,” Dukakis told them in a hall at the Service Employees International Union Local 250. “I hope you’re in this fight to stay.”

As predicted, he brushed off reporters’ questions about whether he would run for President again in 1992, saying it is “much to early” to decide and that as governor he has “much to do.”

He said he believes that Bush is “sincere about doing things about acid rain and the environment.”

“The vice president made some statements about offshore oil drilling that I assume he is committed to,” Dukakis said, referring to Bush’s June campaign comment about re-evaluating the environmental impact of California’s proposed offshore oil leases.