lthough his support in the polls is weak at best, Dan Quayle was worrying yesterday about the political vitality of another vice president -- Al Gore.
Quayle, in a joking manner, said he hopes Gore wins in New Hampshire because it would be ''very rude and inconsiderate'' for the parties not to nominate its current and past vice presidents for the top job. Also, he noted, the GOP has a lot riding on having Gore leading the Democrats into the fall general election.
''Republicans have invested a lot of money, a lot of time, a lot of energy into running against Al Gore,'' Quayle said. ''Now we've been giving speeches for the last two and a half, three years on this, running against Al Gore. I try to tell the folks, lighten up on Gore a little bit. You guys might elect Bradley, be careful.''
Over at the Gore campaign, Quayle's ersatz concern for the vice president's political welfare was greeted in kind.
''Vice President Gore has been called the most effective vice president in history and Dan Quayle the least effective,'' said spokesman Chris Lehane. ''I guess that's why Gore has broad support and Quayle's on life support.''
JILL ZUCKMAN
