American Notes GOVERNORS

State politics on both coasts got unexpected jolts last week when Massachusetts' Governor Michael Dukakis and California's George Deukmejian walked away from probable re-election victories in 1990, announcing their decisions within two days of each other. Their withdrawals set off stampedes among politicians in both states eager to, uh, duke it out to replace them.

In a hastily called Boston news conference, Dukakis revealed he would not seek an unprecedented fourth term and would instead concentrate on wiping out his state's $636 million budget deficit. Said a philosophical Dukakis: "There comes a time when you have to let go." His withdrawal fueled speculation that Dukakis wants to avenge his stinging loss to George Bush last November by mounting another, probably unwelcome, presidential bid in 1992. The Governor refused to rule out such a replay, coyly observing, "I've learned -- occasionally painfully -- never to say never in politics."

Deukmejian had much less difficulty saying goodbye. Rejecting the pleas of California Republicans, the two-term Governor, 60, who now earns an $85,000 salary, insisted he wished to return to private life. Concluded a political observer: "The bottom line is that he's tired and wants to make some money."