But Mr. Jackson has not sought to be a spoiler.

Mr. Jackson never again sought elective office but continued on a contentious, often high-profile legal career that has often touched on political issues.

In the earliest months, Mr. Jackson and his team sought to reassure Tolkien fanatics.

In his letter, Mr. Jackson sought to play down his efforts to win the post.

Mr. Jackson has sought to broaden his base of support beyond blacks to include poor whites, Hispanic voters and others in what he calls a "rainbow coalition."

Mr. Jackson also sought to define a difference with Mr. Dukakis on how each candidate defines himself.

Mr. Jackson, who was criticized by some black opponents of the Mayor for agreeing to see him, had sought to play down the meeting's significance.

Sounding like Ross Perot, Mr. Jackson sought to play down his personal ambition, saying he would run only at the urging of his supporters.

The office Mr. Jackson seeks has no budget or salary.

Mr. Jackson has been seeking support for a trillion-dollar plan to rebuild American industry.