Among those interviewed, almost as many expressed support for Bush as for any Democratic candidate. Matthew T. Kirsch '93 says, "I like the fact that he kept government small and he's economically conservative."

Those who identified themselves as Democrats were often passionate about their candidates.

"Deep down inside I can't resist Harkin's old fashioned liberalism," says Tom R. Laskawy '92. "People have been duped by George Bush."

"They're happy to whoop it up when we bomb the shit out of the Iraqis. It's easier to go along with Bush than to take a stand on the issues," Laskawy says.

"I saw Kerrey speak," says Anne Q. Eakin '95. "He's got the perfect formula for a Democratic nominee because he's a war veteran. The person who introduced him says he'd bring back Camelot. He's got the glitz that the Democrats need."

One student who has done more than just voice support for a candidate is Gregory S. Chernack '92, who is co-president of Harvard-Radcliffe Students for Bill Clinton.

"Do we want a president who cares about domestic issues or don't we?" he asks. "Clinton seems to care more about people."

Chernack says many people have expressed an interest in the club. "We've had 20 people interested and we haven't even had our first meetings [Clinton] is conservative by Harvard standards, but our goal isn't to get a majority of Harvard students."

Support for candidate student groups is not universal, though.

Organizers of the groups say one reason for the lack of interest in their clubs is that it is still early in the race and that undergraduates have not had a chance to hear all the candidates speak.

"We've gotten 23 members but it's hard to gauge," says Allan H. Erbsen '94, head of Students for Tsongas.

"It'll be better when he's here in two weeks," Erbsen says.

"When Kerrey spoke, Kerrey supporters came out of the woodwork. I think that will happen [with Tsongas]. We'll have more supporters than Kerrey," he says.

Erbsen says he is "sure Harvard will become politically oriented. We want to build a base so when everyone is ready we will be there."

Harkin supporters agree that campus political support has yet to build. "The campus as a whole is not motivated yet because many of the issues aren't out," says Steven V. Mazie '93, founder of Harvard-Radcliffe Students for Harkin.