Clinton's Veep Prospects: How to Score 'Em

By JANICE CASTRO/

DOUG WILDER (-5) No way! Last week he said Clinton, whom he called "a man besieged with stories about his personal life," had "gravely damaged the Democratic Party" by playing golf at the racially exclusive Little Rock Country Club.

TOM HARKIN (-3) Nope. Clinton can take Iowa without him, he adds little geographic diversity to the ticket, and hardhat Tom would be a rough mix with pinstripe Willie.

JERRY BROWN (-3) Strong appeal to voters of both parties who are fed up with politics as usual. But Clinton would never trust him, and, baby, it's mutual.

BOB KERREY (-2) A war hero with high name recognition. But erratic. Try John Kerry of Massachusetts: he's strong on foreign affairs, and besides half the voters think he's Bob Kerrey anyway.

MARIO CUOMO (even) No second fiddle, especially in this band.

HILLARY CLINTON (+1) Smart and, frankly, more popular with many than Bill. Drawback: she's from the same state.

DICK GEPHARDT (+1) Could deliver Missouri and add junkyard-dog intensity to Clinton's soft-focus charm. Drawbacks: the eye-brow gap (look closely) and his Japan-bashing protectionism.

PAUL SIMON (+1) A popular big-state Senator with small-town sincerity who appeals to independents. Drawback: too liberal.

PAUL TSONGAS (+2) All he lacks is charisma, which Clinton has in excess. Drawbacks: He doesn't need the job, and who could ever forget "Pander Bear"?

BILL BRADLEY (+5) A keeper. A foreign-trade geek with national stature, a battler and former pro-basketball player who can add sports-star pals to the Clinton cavalcade. Drawback: Is America ready for a double Rhodes Scholar ticket?

With reporting by Wendy Cole