BOSTON--Highlighting the contrast between his liberalism and the centrist views of his opponents in the Democratic primary, former state Sen. George Bachrach (D-Waterdown) formally entered the race for governor yesterday.

"If I am disturbed by the course of this Republican administration, I am equally disturbed by the course of the Democratic party in recent years," Bachrach told an audience of 40 supporters ion the steps of the State House. "I am distressed by an attempt by some Democrats to be more Republican than the Republicans."

The 42-year-old Boston lawyer in vying for the Democratic nomination against state Sen. Michael J. Barrett '70 (D-Cambridge) and state Rep. Mark Roosevelt '78 (D-Beacon Hill).

The winner of the September primary faces Gov. William F. Weld '66 in the general election in November.

Bachrach, who says he is "an unabashed liberal," has taken a different view some of the campaign's hottest issues--namely, crime the economy and welfare--than Weld, Roosevelt or Barrett.

For example, Bachrach says he does not support the "three strikes" crime proposal which has been endorsed by his Democratic opponents and the governor, as well as President Clinton.

Under this plan, violent criminals would be sentenced to life in prison after they commit their third offense.

In contrast, Bachrach says he opposes life terms for convicts. He said Massachusetts is wasting money paying for criminals too old to commit crimes.

"It dosen't make sense to pay Harvard-level tuition to keep convicts in jail if we're not even going to teach them to read or write or try to get them off drugs," Bachrach said. "And it's just as ridiculous to run geriatric wards for toothless old criminals who are no longer dangerous."

Bachrach instead prefers a "two strikes and you're out" proposal combined with increased funding for substance abuse programs and for the Department of Youth Services.

"I won't wait for 'three strikes' to jail dangerous criminals," Bachrach said. "I want them off the street now, not after their third violent offense."

In another liberal turn, Bachrach strongly opposes the reinstatement of the death penalty, a measure which is supported by both Weld and Roosevelt.

The state has not used capital punishment since 1947.

"It has nothing to do with a system of justice," Bachrach said.

Bachrach said in his speech yesterday that for the state's economy to grow, Massachusetts needs less regulation and more spending on infrastructure.