Campaign 2000

By Jack E. White/Washington

In an attempt to excite African-American voters and strengthen his kingmaking role in the next presidential campaign, which he may enter as a candidate, JESSE JACKSON has been urging prominent black politicians to run for the U.S. Senate. So far his blandishments have fallen flat. Jackson admits that ALAN C. PAGE, the retired Minnesota Viking defensive lineman, is "reluctant" to give up a safe seat on the state supreme court to vie for the Senate slot occupied by Republican ROD GRAMS. Former Agriculture Secretary MIKE ESPY cites personal reasons for not running against Mississippi's TRENT LOTT: he not only owes $1 million in fees to the lawyers who won his acquittal on corruption charges last year, but he is also getting married, for the second time, in April. The truth is, Lott is so solidly entrenched, even with black voters, that Espy stands no chance. "Mike would have to be crazy to run against Lott," says a congressional staff member. "And Mike is not crazy."

--By Jack E. White/Washington