Student Club to Fight 'Ruthless' RFK

A group of Harvard Republicans, Democrats, and independents, angered "by the ruthless power play being attempted by a lean and hungry Robert Kennedy," have formed a Students for Keating Club. The organization will seek University recognition today.

In a 300-word statement, the club charges that "Robert Kennedy's candidacy in New York is not a choice but a farce, a travesty of representative government and an insult to all intelligent Americans."

"Mr. Kennedy has so recently become a 'resident' of New York State that he is not qualified to vote," the statement declares. "He was appointed to the Attorney General's office, and distinguished himself only by quitting when his support of the civil rights bill would have been most useful."

The statement lauds Keating's record as "outstanding," citing, in particular, his votes for the tax-cut, the civil-rights bill, the anti-poverty program and medicare.

If the group receives recognition, which is more than likely, it will begin soliciting support later this week in the Houses, the Union, and graduate school dining-halls.

A representative of Keating Headquarters in New York, Michael S. Kramer, will visit Cambridge tomorrow to check on the Club's progress and deliver campaign literature, buttons, and posters.

Rep. Silvio Conte (R-Mass.), a vocal spokesman for the liberal wing of the GOP at the San Francisco convention, has offered to speak to the club.

According to James W. Vaupel '67, president of the club, at least some of the Keating partisans "expect to do some campaigning in New York."

Vaupel said yesterday that he had already contacted friends at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University about establishing Students for Keating Clubs. He characterized their mood as "receptive."

Vaupel pointed out that Keating is also an alumnus of the University (the Law School in 1923). Kennedy graduated from the College in 1948 and went to the University of Virginia Law School.