Who's Winning the Shadow Race?

By DAVID ELLIS

So far, Paul Tsongas is the only official candidate in the running for the 1992 Democratic nomination, but other politicians are quietly positioning themselves for a late entry. Here's where they stand:

GAINERS

Jay Rockefeller.

The Ivy League West Virginia Senator is stumping to promote health-care reform, and he's adopting a backslapping bonhomie with power brokers.

Bill Clinton.

The Arkansas Governor is cultivating a mainstream image as head of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.

Tom Harkin.

The Iowa Senator has won huzzahs for his fiery defense of liberal values, which could help in his home state's caucuses. But he won't win it all.

LOSERS

Al Gore.

Democratic activists say the Tennessee Senator is the best man to bridge party factions, but his indecision is losing him supporters and respect.

Dick Gephardt.

Another ditherer. The House majority leader's reluctance led to Harkin's candidacy.

Doug Wilder.

The Virginia Governor's never-ending feud with Chuck Robb makes him look like a vindictive spoiler.

WILD CARDS

Mario Cuomo.

The 800-lb. gorilla of the party has a fiscal mess to solve in New York. But the Governor's fund-raising clout and popularity among Democratic activists make him the only one who can afford to bide his time.

Jesse Jackson.

Washington's shadow Senator is planning to host a weekly current-affairs show on Cable News Network, a move that indicates he may not run in '92.

With reporting by Sidney Urquhart