
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 29, 1990                   TAG: 9003290739
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/12   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

JACKSON REPORTED EYEING HOUSE SEAT

Jesse Jackson, who has ruled out running for mayor of the nation's capital, may try to become its delegate to Congress instead, top aides to the civil rights leader say.

Although Jackson issued a denial, sources said Wednesday that he is considering running for the non-voting House seat this fall to boost his presidential prospects and help the District of Columbia's drive for statehood.

"It gives him a base to operate from without eliminating any of his other options, including the possibility of another national campaign," said one Jackson associate who like others spoke on condition of anonymity. "He's seriously considering it."

Jackson's political plans have been the subject of speculation since he moved to Washington from Chicago last summer. In February, the two-time Democratic presidential candidate announced he would not run for mayor and stressed his desire to serve as "a national leader."

He said Wednesday he not considering the delegate post.

However, advisers said Jackson's National Rainbow Coalition is trying to dismantle a city law that would keep him from running for delegate. The law requires that congressional candidates live in the city for three years before seeking the office.

The incumbent delegate, Democrat Walter Fauntroy, announced earlier this month he will run for mayor.

by CNB