The Mating Game

It is a muggy August night at the Superdome. Listless Republican delegates have completed the preordained coronation of George Bush as their presidential nominee. Now comes the one moment of drama: the choice of a running mate. Bush strides to the rostrum to break the news. "I want Dole," he declares. Before the cheers can erupt, he quickly adds, "No, not you, Bob." Then Elizabeth Dole hugs her husband, moves happily to the stage -- and the Republicans break into their first spontaneous demonstration in a humdrum convention.

For many Republicans, it is the dream ticket. Such a bold play could shake the Vice President's cautious and bland image, giving a boost to his campaign. The bright and engaging Liddy Dole, who has served every President since Lyndon Johnson, would put extra zip into the G.O.P. drive. The choice of a woman could also help narrow the Democratic edge among female voters, who make up more than half the electorate.

Still, Dole, 51, would be a risky choice. The former Democrat has alienated feminists by adopting conservative causes, even dropping her support of the Equal Rights Amendment. She showed little leadership on air safety as Ronald Reagan's Secretary of Transportation. Dole might be unwilling to bruise her husband's ego by joining Bush. Asked how he would feel about his wife's running with Bush, Bob Dole quipped, "I'd be for it," adding that it might, at least, get him a "car and driver."

Some Bush aides see the choice of a woman as unlikely because Bush is too cautious. Says one: "George Bush will be looking for a George Bush." In other words, a Vice President who is quiet, competent and loyal to a fault. Bush's advisers say he leans toward elected officials. Among those who would meet his criteria:

-- Illinois Governor James Thompson, 51. Appeal: his Midwestern strength might help in an area where Reagan-Bush support has been soft. He demonstrated loyalty by backing Bush early. Handicaps: he is klutzy on television and has presided over state tax increases.

-- New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, 52. Appeal: an Eastern moderate and proven winner, his "politics of inclusion" has attracted blacks, urban voters and environmentalists. Handicaps: He has not endorsed Bush. He vetoed a school- prayer bill, and he takes a pro-choice stance on abortion. His preppie background might magnify Bush's image problem.

-- California Governor George Deukmejian, 59. Appeal: the other Duke has some clout as an effective chief executive in the largest and most pivotal state. His Armenian background could help counter Democratic strength among ethnics. Handicaps: he is a wooden personality without impact outside California. Also, his successor in Sacramento would be a Democrat.

Several members of Congress also pop up in the guessing game. Wyoming Congressman Dick Cheney is a low-key conservative who has experience as an adviser to Richard Nixon and chief of staff for Gerald Ford. The two Indiana Senators, Richard Luger and Dan Quayle, have been strong conservative leaders, and either could help in the Midwest battleground.

New York Congressman Jack Kemp, who hinted last week that he would like the offer, is considered too outspoken to be a good team player. Kemp was described by a Bush adviser as "temperamentally unsuited" for the role of Vice President.