Have you heard the one about Don Mattingly, U.S. congressman?

Democrats have, and they like the sound of it.

For the past several weeks, the local baseball legend's name has been bandied about as a possible 8th District congressional candidate.

Mattingly's family and friends say a congressional bid isn't in the cards, but that hasn't quelled speculation in his hometown. Repeated attempts to contact Mattingly at his restaurant and his home were unsuccessful.

Evansville's Democratic chairman, Mark Owen, said persistent talk of a Mattingly candidacy prompted him to send a letter to the baseball star _ just in case.

``We've heard his name being circulated quite a bit,'' said Owen. ``I did get a call from some of our political consultants in Washington . . . they said they had heard he might be interested.''

Owen said he hasn't been able to talk to Mattingly.

``I did send him a letter, just to let him know that we have been hearing these rumors,'' said Owen. ``If they're true, we sure would be interested in talking to him.''

So far, Owen hasn't got a response.

Jennifer Burton, a political adviser with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington, said she might be able to shed some light on the Mattingly topic.

She confirmed that the idea of a Mattingly candidacy had occurred to some top Democratic strategists in Washington, especially since other professional athletes had been successful in politics.

``We jokingly say around here `It would be nice if we could get someone of his stature to run for Congress,' '' said Ms. Burton. ``But I doubt there's any veracity to it . . . we certainly haven't heard from him.''

Mattingly's father also threw cold water on the speculation.

``I'd say that's just a rumor, there's nothing to it,'' said William Mattingly.

A local Mattingly acquaintance, who asked to remain anonymous, said a Democratic committee apparently broached the subject of politics with Mattingly through an official with the Major League Baseball Players Association. The acquaintance said Mattingly w as flattered but not interested in politics at this time.

Last year, Mattingly's career with the New York Yankees ended after 14 seasons, and his future in professional baseball still appears to be in flux.

Local Democrats have been looking for a strong candidate to run against Republican incumbent Rep. John Hostettler in November.

BY ALAN JULIAN, Courier staff writer

Copyright © 1996 The Evansville Courier,