Jackson Hopes for Payoff From Months-Long Push in Delaware

NEW CASTLE, Del. — The Rev. Jesse Jackson hoped that a committed organization could deliver a victory in Delaware’s Democratic caucuses Monday night, although state party leaders urged Democrats to vote uncommitted.

Delaware, with its 15 pledged delegates, was overshadowed by today’s New York balloting and its primary prize of 255 delegates.

Jackson has been organized statewide for several months, whereas Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis opened shop about three weeks ago. Tennessee Sen. Albert Gore Jr. has no organization in Delaware.

4% Turnout Predicted

Samuel L. Shipley, state party chairman, said the average caucus turnout is about 2%, but he predicted a 3% or 4% turnout, or about 5,000 Democrats, because of the Jackson campaign.

“We have an inspiring and fervent and committed group of people who think this is going to be a Jackson state,” Jackson coordinator Vivian Houghton said.

Caucuses were being held in 41 state representative districts to select 189 delegates to the state convention. Candidates had to win at least 15% of the vote to receive a share of the delegates.

Party leaders have stayed neutral since favorite son Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. dropped out of the race in September.

Biden called it quits in a campaign plagued with charges that he plagiarized in law school, plagiarized speeches and exaggerated his academic credentials.

Republican caucuses began April 5 and will continue until Monday to select delegates to the GOP state convention, scheduled for May 14.