Campaign Trail

Guess who’s coming to dinner

WASHINGTON - When it comes to a dinner companion, more Americans would rather sit with retired Gen. Colin Powell than with President Clinton or Bob Dole, according to a poll.

Thirty-two percent of those asked said they’d prefer to dine with the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while 24 percent said they’d prefer to break bread with Clinton. First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was picked by 16 percent - ahead of Dole, the presumed Republican presidential nominee, who attracted only 11 percent.

Candidate on the Lamm

DENVER - Four weeks ago, Richard Lamm didn’t even have a chair to sit in at his campaign headquarters.

With just $6,000 in his pocket and facing the daunting task of upstaging Reform Party founder Ross Perot, Lamm had other priorities to figure out.

Lamm now boasts a $100,000 war chest and a running mate. In his bustling campaign headquarters, everyone on the all-volunteer staff has a seat.

“Now we have a real copier,” said Lamm spokesman Eric Anderson. “That’s big news for us.”

The Reform Party’s two-part convention starts Sunday in Long Beach, Calif.

Political exposure

TRURO, Mass. - Vice President Al Gore’s family vacation has forced the shutdown of an unsanctioned nude beach near the Cape Cod cottage where they are staying.

A section of the beach has been closed while the Gores are in town. Park rangers and police have been enforcing the state and park bans on nude sunbathing.

Lee Baxandall, president of the Naturist Society and former Truro summer resident, used the publicity to plug for lifting the ban altogether.

“We urge Al to go down to the dune, strip off and enjoy the experience that ought to be available to all bathers,” Baxandall told the Boston Herald. “Bet that would loosen him up!”