News In Brief

Hart group in Puerto Rico contests Mondale sweep

Walter Mondale's supporters say his victory in Puerto Rico's Democratic primary, where he picked up 48 delegates, should boost his fortunes with Chicago's large Hispanic population today.

For Mondale, it did not matter that Sen. Gary Hart's supporters, refusing to participate in a process they alleged was rigged in favor of Mondale, chose their own slate of 33 delegates in caucuses held around the island Sunday.

The dissident group called ''United Democrats Committee 84'' announced they would challenge the credentials of the pro-Mondale delegates elected in the primary. Democratic National Committee officials offered little hope of success for the ploy.