Fletcher University Professor Cornel R. West '74 was one of four co-chairs appointed to head Bill Bradley's presidential campaign in the Bay State last Friday.

The remaining members of Bradley's Massachusetts team are Nikki Tsongas, widow of former Sen. Paul Tsongas; former Boston Celtic John Havlicek and former U.S. Representative and state Attorney General James Shannon.

Bradley wanted community leaders and activists to head up his campaign, said Mo Elleithee, the New Hampshire press secretary for the Bradley campaign.

"Senator Bradley wanted to name four people that he has known from various aspects of his life," Elleithee said. "He's been good friends with and an admirer of Professor West for almost 20 years now."

West could not be reached for comment yesterday afternoon.

The co-chairs, Elleithee said, will help the campaign coordinate events and formulate policies. They may also go out and stump for Bradley.

"They'll help us find ways to spread Bradley's message in Massachusetts," Elleithee said.

He said one issue in particular has drawn Bradley and West together.