Dorothy Sara of New York has been analyzing handwriting professionally for 35 years. The author of six books on the subject, her talents are solicited both by those curious about their own penmanship and by business firms to assist screening of job applicants. PEOPLE provided Miss Sara with handwriting samples of seven subjects, all of whom seem likely to be bucking for the same job—the Democratic nomination for President. She was not given their identities or their signatures. Her analyses suggest that for some the handwriting may already be on the wall.

After one term in office, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter has already announced presidential ambitions.

Get push notifications with news, features and more.

He is a planner. There is no change of size and style of writing formations; this reveals a control over moods. He makes his decisions only after his mind determines it is safe to do so, whether in his work or in romantic situations. He is politically ambitious; he wants to occupy a prestigious post. He has a taste for good living and will pay for it but is not extravagant beyond his means. His writing slants to the right which indicates his ability to strike a rapport with most people. However, he does not encourage people to barge in on his life. He is not emotional nor apt to make rash moves in any situation.

Senator Henry Jackson of Washington has already raised more than $500,000 for his White House campaign.

The connected letters in the words he writes show he reasons in a logical manner and leaves little to chance. He is not a reckless man. He eliminates some of the lower loops and there is also an omission of the beginning strokes at the start of some words. This shows that his mind is resourceful; it discards nonessentials and gets down to basics. The forward leaning slant and the wide spaces between letters are signs of an outgoing nature and not those of a loner. He has the instincts of a family man and looks upon the people who work under him as if they were part of a family. The varied shapes and placement of the letter “i” show a sense of humor. If he can’t tell the complete truth he prefers to remain silent.

Maine Senator Ed Muskie, a victim of primary campaign sabotage in 1972, may give it another try in 1976.

He is able to gain the attention and admiration of people of both sexes. He writes with a quick yet lazy rhythm; the speed shows an alert and perceptive mind while the laziness indicates he does not have a compulsion to work too hard. His large “t” bars indicate his desire to get to the goal as soon as possible but he also makes a small “i,” which signifies he is not as self-assured as he appears. He does not suffer from boredom nor does he take himself too seriously. He may not seem decisive in emergencies. He prefers to analyze the situation and to know what others think before he makes any decision.

Texas freshman Senator Lloyd Bentsen has been busy drumming up money and friendships for his candidacy.

This man’s legible, consistent penmanship reveals a desire to create a favorable impression on others. He wants to follow the wishes of those he represents. He is not full of surprises. He has an affectionate, paternal attitude and wants to do good for others. However, he has the intelligence not to get emotional about this. The large formations and the slant of the writing toward the right are signs of an extroverted personality. He is a conformist and is hesitant to take a chance on not succeeding. He is not given much to imagination or intuition. He enjoys the company of women and extends to them charming social amenities, and is young in spirit. The inflated lower loops reveal his desire for material gain.

Congressman Morris Udall of Arizona was the first Democrat to formally commit himself to the 1976 race.

Here is conventional handwriting, showing a man who is respectful of tradition. The formations are fairly large which is a clue to his sociable nature. He can use his mind well but his main interest in any situation is the human element. The letters in the words are connected which means he has a logical manner of reasoning. He does not rely on hunches nor does he have too much imagination. He is generally cautious. The large loops under the “y” signify he is ambitious for material gain. He likes applause and is not a man of scholarly bent but has a common-sense approach. He has a strong paternal sense which prompts him to want to do good for others. He likes feminine (not feminist) women.

Governor George Wallace of Alabama, shot and paralyzed during his 1972 bid, is considered a leading contender.

He may appear to be outgoing but as shown by the backhanded slant of the writing, and especially the inverted “I” he is basically an introvert. He may prefer to think of himself as being motivated only by idealism yet his writing denies that; the very low upper loops indicate he leans more toward material and sensual satisfactions. He is capable of romantic love yet his head is usually the dominant factor even where his heart is concerned. He is able to win the admiration of people, especially women, as he knows how to turn on the charm. He is not as aggressive or competitive as he might seem to be, but has a charming streak of indolence.

Indiana Senator Birch Bayh has not yet said he will run for President in 1976, but he hasn’t said he won’t, either.