Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : 3 Democrats Vie to Succeed Dukakis

Former Atty. Gen. Francis X. Bellotti won the endorsement for governor at the state Democratic convention in Springfield, Mass. Boston University President John Silber, a maverick with growing popular support, won a spot in the primary. Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy also locked up a spot in September’s primary with a second-place finish in voting by delegates. State Rep. John Flood was eliminated. The 5,000 delegates gave Gov. Michael S. Dukakis’ farewell speech a standing ovation. The 1988 Democratic presidential candidate urged the party to stick by its agenda of affordable housing, environmental protection, universal health care and job training.