The Democratic nominee, Senator John F. Kerry, has opposed such plans and has vowed to ensure that benefits are not reduced in the future.

Most potential Democratic nominees oppose any type of constitutional amendment, although some have mixed records, according to the guide.

Two successive nominees, Walter Mondale and Michael Dukakis, also opposed the death penalty.

Mr. McCain is still talking about campaign finance reform, though his party's nominee, whom strongly supports, opposes much of his plan.

The probable Democratic Presidential nominee, Michael S. Dukakis, has opposed such aid, but the man he selected as a running mate, Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, has supported it.

As the advertisement states, Mr. Lazio has declined to pledge to vote against Supreme Court nominees opposed to abortion rights.

Connally's first nominee, a West Texan, opposed admitting women, and Connally was soon compelled to withdraw the nomination.

Although Ralph Reed, the executive director of the Christian Coalition, has warned Republicans that the party's nominee and the nominee's running mate had better oppose abortion, the primary voters do not seem particularly concerned about that.

He has not ruled out endorsing a Republican in the race for governor if the Democratic nominee opposes the airport.

The political stakes have been raised because the Democratic Presidential nominee, Michael S. Dukakis, opposes assistance, while his running mate, Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, has consistently supported it.