The Nation - News from Nov. 20, 1988

Whatever other problems the once debt-ridden Democratic Party faces in the future, money no longer looms as one of its major difficulties. “This party is stronger financially than at any time in its history,” Democratic National Finance Chairman C. Victor Raiser told party state chairmen in Phoenix. Party officials credit a sustained effort under national Chairman Paul G. Kirk Jr. and the skill of Dukakis campaign fund-raiser Robert Farmer with raising $59 million in 1988, more than twice the 1984 figure, retiring the Democratic National Committee debt, and building up its mailing list and roster of big individual contributors. Meanwhile, Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, who was the Democratic presidential nominee, and his running mate, Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, have joined the chorus of Democratic Party leaders urging Kirk to serve another term as party chairman. Kirk also disavowed any role in thwarting the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s political ambitions.