Cato

LETTER FROM WASHINGTON

Is Edmund Muskie a frontrunner ? Does being a frontrunner have any advantages for a candidate? Democratic insiders answer no to both questions these days, though more so to the second than to the first. Muskie’s lead over his rivals has proved more imaginary than real, as Washington hears repeated reports of Muskie’s failure to communicate with grass-roots supporters. On a recent visit to California Muskie was widely criticized for being vague and distant in conversations with local party leaders, some of whom would willingly jump on a Ted Kennedy bandwagon at a nod from such California leaders as Jess Unruh. Muskie has also failed to tap potential reservoirs of support in congressional delegations from Arkansas, Texas and Ohio.

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LETTER FROM WASHINGTON

Is Edmund Muskie a frontrunner ? Does being a frontrunner have any advantages for a candidate? Democratic insiders answer no to both questions these days, though more so to the second than to the first. Muskie’s lead over his rivals has proved more imaginary than real, as Washington hears repeated reports of Muskie’s failure to communicate with grass-roots supporters. On a recent visit to California Muskie was widely criticized for being vague and distant in conversations with local party leaders, some of whom would willingly jump on a Ted Kennedy bandwagon at a nod from such California leaders as Jess Unruh. Muskie has also failed to tap potential reservoirs of support in congressional delegations from Arkansas, Texas and Ohio.