Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 5, 1995 TAG: 9504050073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WOODSTOCK LENGTH: Medium
But Miller said Monday that he still was interested in an upcoming opening on the State Corporation Commission, a post to which he cannot be elected while a delegate. He also cited a desire to spend more time practicing law.
``It's become a full-time job, and I can't do both,'' he said. ``I need to either work full time in government or full time at practicing law.''
Miller, 55, said the decision to run has become harder over the past few terms, especially in 1993, when he was defeated by George Allen in his bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
``I had indicated that was it and I would either move up or out,'' he said. ``The decision to run again was a tough one to make at that time. It's gotten tougher every election year.''
When he entered the House in 1972, Miller said, lawmakers were more civil and less likely to ``demonize'' someone who disagreed with them.
``Everyone sort of agreed we had a common goal in working to make Virginia a better place to live and work,'' he said. ``The last few years, that has sort of dissipated.''
He said he isn't interested in another run for governor. His 1993 bid left him about $70,000 in debt, he said.
Miller, of Woodstock, first was elected to the seat in 1971.
He said he takes pride in reforms he pushed for that made the legislative process more open, especially on the House Appropriations Committee.
Before Miller's reforms were approved, that panel would ban even other members of the legislature from attending its meetings.
``The House of Delegates has lost a keen mind, the state a staunch heart and the people one of the most capable advocates of the downtrodden, the unfortunate,'' House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell of Roanoke County said.
Cranwell said Miller would draw Democratic votes if he's a nominee for the SCC.
by CNB