EDITORIAL : DOLE PICKS KEMP IT'S A CHOICE THAT COULD MAKE THE CAMPAIGN MORE INTERESTING.

Bob Dole surprised almost everyone, from Republican insiders to Bill Clinton, by choosing JFK as his vice-presidential running mate - Jack French Kemp, 61, the Los Angeles-born former congressman who is a longtime advocate of lower income taxes, supply-side economics and Reagan-style conservative optimism.

By selecting Kemp, Dole has done a favor for himself and for the voting public.

Kemp is an idea man who's more interested in the big picture and sweeping philosophical orations than in the often mind-numbing details of legislation. In the latter area, Dole has a well-deserved reputation as a master; but that's not particularly appealing to voters, especially when they're looking for a leader with vision to prepare the nation for the challenges of the next century.

Also, Kemp is a longtime supporter of cutting income-tax rates as a method of stimulating growth in the economy. For that reason, Kemp's presence is likely to mean that Dole's recently announced tax-cut plan will get a thorough airing in the weeks ahead, and a spirited defense - both of which we believe the voters will appreciate, because of widespread skepticism that initially greeted the Dole plan.

And if the Republicans win the presidency, Kemp's presence could enhance the odds that Dole's tax cuts actually will be carried out instead of being forgotten like so many other campaign promises.

In addition, Kemp's inclusive approach to politics might help the GOP - and the American public at large - avoid some of the distasteful and destructive divisiveness that could surface between now and Election Day. Kemp is a ``big tent'' Republican who has strongly urged his party to embrace political moderates and members of minority groups.

Kemp's independent streak led him to publicly reject Proposition 187, the anti-illegal immigration measure on the 1994 California ballot, and to endorse presidential candidate Steve Forbes instead of Dole. Such intellectual courage stirs admiration in some quarters, and hostility in others. But either way, he's certain to make some voters take a closer look at the Dole-Kemp ticket.

And that's good for the GOP and for the level of political debate during the presidential contest - even though Kemp's record is bound to be a disappointment to some hardliners on illegal immigration, such as Gov. Pete Wilson.

The selection of Kemp also carries some strategic and tactical advantages for the GOP in vote-rich California. Not only is Kemp an heir to California's own Ronald Reagan as a disciple of sunny, optimistic conservatism, but Kemp also attended Los Angeles' Fairfax High School and Occidental College in Eagle Rock.

It remains to be seen whether Dole and Kemp can fashion a campaign message that seizes the interest of voters, but the presence of Kemp on the ticket looks like a positive step for the Republicans as they try to regain the White House.