Democrats

Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia

Strengths: Only Democrat who would help Dukakis across theSouth. Republicans and independents would be tempted to vote for aticket with Nunn on it. Knows more about the Pentagon than DefenseSecretary Frank Carlucci. Duke might get him onto ticket bypromising to name him as both Veep and defense secretary.

Weaknesses: He's got the charisma of a turnip. More boring thanDukakis. Liberal activists whine that Nunn is a closet Reaganite. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Strengths: Best campaigner in American politics. Would addexcitement and energy to the Democratic ticket.

Weaknesses: Jackson would relegate Dukakis into a bit player.Dovish national defense policies aren't popular among conservativeDemocrats. Jewish voters are wary of his pro-Arab tilt on theMideast. Sen. Bob Graham of Florida

Strengths: His selection would enhance the Duke's chances ofwinning Florida. Graham is a popular former governor.

Weaknesses: It's questionable whether Graham would help Dukakiselsewhere. And Republican strategists don't think he'd be able towin Florida for the Dems. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas

Strengths: Washington experience would serve as a counterbalanceto the Duke's lack of it. Bentsen, who has already defeated Bush inTexas (a 1970 Senate race), would probably deliver the Lone Starstate for Dukakis.

Weaknesses: Struck out as a presidential candidate in 1976.Image as wheeler-dealer. Once charged businessmen to have meals withhim, but dropped "Rent-a-Senator" franchise when it becamecontroversial. Ties to oil and gas lobby. Dems couldn't exploit"sleaze factor" in Reagan administration with Bentsen on ticket. Sen. Dale Bumpers of Arkansas

Strengths: One of the better campaigners in the DemocraticParty, Bumpers has the potential to help Dukakis nationally as wellas in the South. He's also a former governor.

Weaknesses: Might be too laid-back. Flirted with presidentialcandidacies in 1984 and 1988 but chose not not play. Sen. Albert Gore of Tennessee

Strengths: Showed regional appeal on Super Tuesday. Outlastedmost of his rivals in the '88 presidential race. Is knowledgeable ondefense and foreign policy issues.

Weaknesses: Dukakis doesn't like him. Is viewed as a phony byDemocratic colleagues as a result of his flip-flops in the '88campaign. Although Gore bills himself as a country boy, he's morefamiliar with Willy Brandt than Willie Nelson. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri

Strengths: Next to Jackson, Gephardt struck the most forcefulpopulist themes of the '88 campaign. Is a highly effectivecampaigner. Republican strategists had feared him more than Dukakisas a presidential foe. Lunch-bucket Democrats like him.

Weaknesses: After branding Gephardt as the Democratic TrickyDick, Dukakis might look like more of a trickster in choosing hisformer rival. Voters are suspicious of candidates without eyebrows. Gov. Neil Goldschmidt of Oregon

Strengths: Looks like Paul Newman and is a better speaker. Wasone of the more respected members of Jimmy Carter's Cabinet astransportation secretary. David Broder has billed him as rising starof Democratic governors. Goldschmidt would help Dukakis inCalifornia and the Far West.

Weaknesses: It's unlikely that Dukakis, inexperienced inWashington, D.C., will choose another governor. The Greek-AmericanDukakis, whose wife is Jewish, might also have some reservationsabout selecting a Jewish running mate.