SEN. BILL BRADLEY SAYS CONCERN FOR ECONOMY DOMINATING NATIONAL RACE

ST. LOUIS - Fear and concern about the nation's economic condition is the main reason for Gov. Bill Clinton's continued surge in presidential election election polls, U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley said Saturday.

"That is so far and away the number one issue on peoples minds that nothing else is close," said Bradley, in a telephone interview from St. Louis where he was campaigning for the Clinton-Gore ticket.

"People want to look at their futures with optimism. People want to understand their children's lives will be better off," said Bradley.

But the New Jersey Democrat said the economic plight is eating away at public confidence levels and endangering a fundamental part of American tradition, which is to "believe that tomorrow will be better than today."

During the Bush administration, Bradley said, "we have had the lowest economic growth of any four years since Herbert Hoover ... people are fearful and worried.

"The combination of the economy and people's disgust with government have focused attention on this year year's election."

In 1992, Bradley contends that people "want real answers to real problems," something he believes Clinton has provided through solid and specific program proposals.

Bradley also feels voters trust that Clinton has the leadership ability to implement change. "The essence of leadership is that you respond to the needs of people," said Bradley.

The senator cited reports out this weekend that show Clinton has solid leads in 18 states that total 261 electoral votes - just nine less than needed for election. Bush has a solid edge in eight states, worth 47 electoral votes, with the remaining 24 regarded as up for grabs.

He noted that if Clinton can gain the advantage in 10-12 more states, the state is set for a landslide Democratic victory on Nov. 3.

Clinton has been warning his supporters against overconfidence, even with the strong showing in recent polls. But Bradley is not concerned about that.

"I don't think Democrats will have a problem with overconfidence. They have been out of power so long and they want to win, and win by the largest margin possible," declared Bradley.

A native of Crystal City, Bradley was a Hall of Fame performer in the National Basketball Association for the New York Knicks before winning his seat in the Senate 14 years ago.

Bradley has been mentioned as a potential candidate for president and was the choice of many Democrats to run this year. But the senator declined to enter the primaries.

At the time Bradley decided against a White House bid, it appeared that President Bush was going to be a much stronger candidate.

Asked about regrets, Bradley replied without hesitation: "none whatsoever. I can pass as well as shoot. I just want to play on the winning team."