Gov. William F. Weld '66 is trying to make a name for himself on the national scene.

Cambridge Republican Committee Chair David L.K. Trumbull is coming along as a guest after narrowly losing an election to be a state delegate.

And Dr. David C. Dow '27 is simply in it for kicks: "I'm 90, I'm a retired physician and I have nothing to do."

They're an unlikely trio for sure, but they have three things in common: they live in Cambridge, they're Republicans and they're among the few city residents heading to San Diego next week for the Republican National Convention.

Perhaps the most interesting story of the three is Dow's. A longtime Republican who first voted in 1928 for Herbert Hoover, Dow has spent his life waging what he described as fruitless battles for conservatism in Cambridge.

Every two years, Dow would give money to whatever poor soul the Republicans were using as cannon fodder for the campaign of the unbeatable Democratic member of Congress, Tip O'Neill.

But Dow's contributions prevented the one-time speaker of the House from wreaking havoc on other Republicans.

"That kept Tip busy in Cambridge, in his district," Dow explained. "Over 40 years, I gave over $1,000 to keep Tip O'Neill at home so he wouldn't be racing all over the country helping other Democrats."

Dow's longtime loyalty to Cambridge Republicans drew the attention of Republican National Committee Chair Haley Barbour, who personally invited him to attend his first convention.

"He raised holy hell with me," Dow said. "He kept calling me on the telephone, writing letters, always.... After about six weeks of bombardment, I told him I'd do it. I couldn't stand the pressure."

Dow said he is optimistic about the chances of presumptive Republican nominee Robert J. Dole, despite polls that place the former senator 20 points behind President Clinton.

"I don't give a damn about those things," Dow said. "The fact is, it's the grassroots that count, not the polls.

Razor-Thin Defeat

Trumbull, one of the most politically active Republican in the city, lost his chance to represent the state at the convention by less than a hair's breadth.

Trumbull was a candidate to represent the state's 8th Congressional District at the convention. But he tied for the third and final alternate spot with William Monahan, chair of the board of selectmen in Belmont.

Since Monahan is an elected official and Trumbull is simply a party activist, state party leaders gave the nod to the Belmont resident.