As the Harvard College Democrats held their introductory meeting last night in Ticknor Lounge, they presented a unified front aimed at keeping a Democrat in the White House after the 2000 elections.

Whether that Democrat will be former senator Bill Bradley or Vice President Al Gore '69 is far from decided, and student groups supporting each candidate are currently developing as they try to make their mark on Harvard's campus and several highly contested primaries.

Students for Bill Bradley contacted Director of Student Activities Susan T. Cooke about forming an independent student group in early September. According to Cooke, the group was encouraged to work under the umbrella of the College Democrats.

"We initially talked to a couple of different campaign groups," Cooke said. "We suggested that if they could keep it within the College Democrats or Republicans, that would be best."

Members of Students for Bill Bradley said that they were directed to work under the College Democrats because the Dean of Students office was concerned that the club would only exist until next November's elections.

Luke P. McLoughlin '00, co-founder of Students for Bradley, said that his group's relationship with the College Democrats has been beneficial to the Bradley campaign's efforts.

"So far it's been a very good situation, but the situation as we have it could, in theory, put the College Democrats' leadership in some difficult positions," McLoughlin said.

"My impression is that much of the College Democrats' leadership has lined up behind Gore, but that hasn't been a problem so far," he added.

McLoughlin and Cooke are meeting today to discuss the role of Students for Bradley on campus and within the College Democrats.

Cooke said that, while she has not yet received any such request, if either campaign group applies to become an independent student group, that request will likely be granted.

"If they think the purpose of their organization would be served better in a separate group, that can probably be arranged," she said. "It's important for the College Democrats to decide what the best strategy for them is."

Marcie B. Bianco '02, chair of the Students for Gore, said she thinks that both groups will benefit from their relationship to the College Democrats.

"We're here for the Democrats in general, and we'd like to keep them all together," Bianco said. "The College Democrats are such a prominent club, so it's a good way for us to publicize our efforts."

Joseph N. Sanberg '01, president of the College Democrats, said that both Students for Bradley and Students for Gore benefit from use of his group's e-mail list and the ability to poster and reserve rooms using the College Democrats' name.

This year, the College Democrats will apply for additional campaign funding, which will be split evenly between the two groups. McLoughlin and Bianco are also non-voting members of the organization's executive board.

According to Bianco, the executive board discusses ways to support both candidates at each of its meetings.

"Our priority is not internal politics; it is electing Democrats in 2000," said Sanberg, who admits that his personal sympathies lie firmly with the Gore camp. "It's my job to promote the Democratic Party in a fair and equitable way."

"Hopefully, after the primaries, we'll unite behind one candidate," Sanberg added.

But the choice may not be as simple as it seems. Micah T. Lewin '03 said that he has considered starting a Students for Warren Beatty group.

"I think he'd be a good influence on Harvard's campus," Lewin says. "The Harvard Democrats have a lot of resources that...could help his campaign."