Grapevine

By DAVID ELLIS/

FRITZ IS IN THE WINGS YET AGAIN. Walter Mondale never enjoyed running for office, but he built a great career around being tapped on the shoulder. Twice since leaving the vice presidency he has balked at pleas from Minnesota Democrats to run for the Senate, but his time may have come again. Next month the Senate ethics committee will hear a torrent of accusations against Republican David Durenberger, including a charge that he accepted $100,000 in outside income through a dubious book deal. Word is that he faces expulsion if he doesn't resign. Democratic Governor Rudy Perpich would appoint a replacement, and Mondale is letting it be known that he would like to return his patented way: by being asked.

With reporting by David E. Thigpen