GRAPEVINE

By DAVID ELLIS

Washington may be focusing on the war, but Democrats are planning a campaign on social issues. Their prospects:

Civil Rights. Calling it a "quota bill," Bush vetoed last year's legislation, a broad anti-discrimination act. This year the Democrats plan to avoid racial overtones by recasting the measure to focus on the rights of working women. Debate will be fierce, but passage is near certain.

Family Leave. Another veto victim in '90. Bush supports the concept of unpaid leave for employees but feels the government should not compel businesses to provide it. Passage, which is likely, may force the President's hand again.

Taxes. The G.O.P. wants a cut in capital-gains taxes but won't fight very hard for it. Democrats aim to counterattack by proposing a cut in Social Security payroll taxes for the middle class. Passage is probable, with some Republican support.

Medicare. The Democrats agree privately with Bush's plan to make affluent ; retirees pay higher premiums for Medicare coverage. But the Dems will hesitate because any such "means testing" could turn Medicare into a "welfare-type" program that would lose support among the middle and upper classes. Chance of passage: slight.

Education. The Democrats would love to upstage the "education President." They dream of everything from an overhaul of the student-loan system to an upgrading of teacher training. But since there's no money, there's no chance for major legislation.

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart