ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 22, 1996 TAG: 9609230012
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
EARLY ROLES
Think of your involvement in community life early on. Excluding politics, what early leadership role did you learn from most?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``My dad coached sports even after my sister and I were grown, and he still works with the Police Athletic League and Habitat for Humanity. My sister and I learned from them about the importance of giving something back to the community.''
John Warner (R)
``My greatest gift in life was to have strong, loving parents and their examples inspired me to public service. These parental teachings were followed by seven years of education at Virginia institutions. The 'honor codes' of the these schools I respect today.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``As president of the Franklin County High School SCA, I learned the importance of working with people and the need to be understanding of the wishes and needs of others.''
George Landrith (R)
``While a student at the University of Virginia, I served as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 127 for three years. I was privileged to help several boys earn their Eagle Scout award. I learned a lot about sacrifice and helping others achieve their fullest potential.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Helping the Special Olympics, Camp Easter Seal, Tinker Mountain Workshop and others while serving as president of the Roanoke Civitans was the most rewarding community experience for me.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``My experience in the U.S. Navy as a young petty officer taught me that I could achieve anything that I really wanted. That experience taught me how to lead, how to study and learn. My experience in the Libyan Crisis certainly taught me the value of life.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``As a high school student, I achieved enough rank in the ROTC to experience command briefly. I learned a lot of basic lessons about a command and control social structure and about my dislike for coercion in human relations from that experience.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``As a young lawyer in Washington County, I was involved in civic activities through the Abingdon Kiwanis Club and the Abingdon Jaycees. The many projects we undertook underscored to me the value of cooperation and teamwork in achieving shared community objectives.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``As a young teen, I volunteered at a local camp for children with mental retardation. I found that giving one's time and talents to help those in need not only strengthens our communities but is personally rewarding, and can be fun as well.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I am a professional engineer and have trained many new engineers, two of whom are now directors of our company's branch offices. I've learned that the most important thing that can be taught is the ethics of how decisions should be made.''
PRIDE
What one thing have you done that you are most proud of? Why?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I am most proud of helping create the Virginia Health Care Foundation - a public-private partnership which provides health care services to Virginians who don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford private insurance.''
John Warner (R)
``I led the fight to reverse President Clinton's decision to stop submarine construction at Newport News Shipbuilding, a decision which would have resulted in the loss to Virginia of billions of dollars in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs over the next 15 years.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I am proudest of my family life. I have been blessed with loving parents, a supportive sister, and a wife and daughter who are loving and caring.''
George Landrith (R)
``There is no other honor, degree, accomplishment or award that brings me more pride or more joy than being a good husband and father. My wife, Laura, and I have five wonderful young children. Earning their love and respect is a high honor.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Working with my wife, Maryellen, to raise our two children - Jenny and Bobby - is the proudest part of my life. I remember the loving, nurturing home provided by my parents and want to provide the same for my children.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I am very proud of my military service and the experiences that I had. I can say that I was willing to make the sacrifices needed to preserve the Constitution and the freedoms that we enjoy. The day I was nominated the Democrat Congressional Candidate was also a proud day.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I think I'd prefer to keep that private, if you don't mind.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I am most proud of the successful strategy my office has implemented for improving Southwest Virginia's economy. When I took office, less than one-third of our 23 [localities] had industrial parks.'' Now 22 do, and district leads state in attracting manufacturing jobs.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``When I decided to challenge a 14-year incumbent, I knew I would be facing an uphill battle. My opponent will no doubt outspend me 10 to 1. Making a difference is never easy. I'm proud to be taking a stand and fighting for my beliefs and the values of Southwestern Virginia.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I married the right woman 13 years ago, and am proud of it. We are more In love now than we were 13 years ago, and I could not ask for a better companion or friend.''
CIVIC LIFE
Give an example of your involvement in the community outside politics.
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``In addition to my work with the Health Care Foundation, I have also volunteered time on behalf of a variety of community organizations including the YMCA, Hopkins House, the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, and the United Community Ministries.''
John Warner (R)
``My tenure on the board of trustees of my alma mater, Washington and Lee University, and as administrator of the nation's Bicentennial celebration.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I have participated in road and river clean-ups: community projects with the Jaycees, the Ruritans, the Smith Mountain Lake Association and the Chamber of Commerce, and church and family activities.''
George Landrith (R)
Served on Albemarle County School Board, Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center Board, Charlottesville-Albemarle Children & Youth Commission, a Sunday school teacher, and Scout Master of a Boy Scout Troop.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Serving on the Building Better Boards Advisory Council of the Roanoke Valley United Way. I volunteered legal and fund-raising advice to different non-profit boards which allowed me to learn a great deal about what these dedicated volunteers do.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``To me there is nothing more rewarding than community service. I have enjoyed serving in the Baptist church as a deacon, youth director, and a Sunday school teacher. I believe I enjoyed being a youth director the most.'' Also active in Ruritans.
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I'm not a professional politician, and I've never been a joiner. I'm not a candidate as a result of a long range plan. So, I really don't have a community involvement example to offer that wouldn't seem trivial beside those of more groomed candidates.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Last year, I created the Commission on the Future of Southwest Virginia to develop a strategic plan for the long term progress of this region in critical quality of life areas. This work is outside the normal scope of congressional activities.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Most recently, I volunteered my time and skill to help build a garage for my church and make needed repairs to a local hostel for hikers on the Appalachian Trail.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Steering committee for the Concord Coalition SW VA, [which promotes] public awareness of the federal deficit and debt problem, have worked on projects with Christian missionaries in Southeast Asia, volunteer for hunter and firearms safety training programs.''
LEADERSHIP
Describe a time recently when you think leadership was shown by someone other than yourself.
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Sen. Joe Lieberman and former Education Secretary William Bennett [led] an effort to cut back on 'trash TV' without resorting to legislation. I admire their efforts because I worry about kids watching some of these crazy talk shows dealing with bizarre topics.''
John Warner (R)
``I greatly admired General Colin Powell's courageous speech at the Republican National Convention. His ability to challenge the delegates with ideas not popular with many of them, once again demonstrated the importance of putting principle over politics.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I believe that former Senators Warren Rudman (R-N.H.) and Paul Tsongas (D-Mass.) have displayed commendable leadership in their efforts in coordination with the Concord Coalition to focus the nations attention on the need for a balanced budget.''
George Landrith (R)
``Gov. George Allen showed tremendous leadership in his work to reform welfare and require all able-bodied people to work. The conventional wisdom opposed him; however, he realized success was to be measured by those with good jobs, not those trapped on welfare.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Former Roanoke Vice Mayor Bev Fitzpatrick leaving elective office to run the New Century Council was an excellent example of someone putting aside personal considerations to provide leadership for a project important to our region's future.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Recently a woman that I know took a stand with her husband, and together they made a life changing decision. This decision required that she assume the total leadership role of the family and household while working a full time job. This woman is my wife.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I believe Governor Allen showed leadership when he kept Virginia independent of federal Goals 2000 money.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I have been very impressed by the excellent work of David Rungren, Executive Director of the New River Planning District Commission. David spearheaded the successful effort'' to construct building for business incubator at New River Industrial Park.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Examples of leadership are all around us. We don't need to look to Washington or Hollywood - the true role models and leaders are in our local communities and families. The leaders I most admire are the hard-working mothers and fathers of Southwestern Virginia ''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Sen. John Warner has recently exhibited great leadership by declaring publicly that he will not support the recently proposed tax cut by Dole until there is no longer federal deficit spending.''
GOOD LEADERS
Which leaders in this century do you most admire and why? What qualities do those leaders share?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I most admire Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill. Each man overcame tremendous odds - Gandhi in opposing the British Empire and Churchill in keeping his country together during World War II.''
John Warner (R)
``I most admire Colin Powell, President Truman, President Eisenhower and Winston Churchill, because they demonstrated universal leadership in times of war and peace.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Theodore Roosevelt, for elevating the United States to major nation status at the beginning of the century: and Franklin Roosevelt for preserving democracy in the United States at a time when it was threatened by both depression and foreign tyranny.''
George Landrith (R)
``Ronald Reagan, Mills Godwin, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher and General Colin Powell. All of them overcame adversity and difficulty to lead their nations to new heights and all realized the power and potential of the individual.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Ronald Reagan for restoring America's confidence and national defense and for his faith in the American dream. Martin Luther King for his courage and inspiration while facing violence and prejudice. Elizabeth Bowles for her integrity and quiet determination.''
Jeff Grey (D)
Franklin Roosevelt ``had the capability to visualize the future that led America out of the 'Great Depression' and into 'the New Deal.' Martin Luther King is also a leader that 'Had a Dream.' [He] led a civil rights movement and established equality for all men and women.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King, Churchill, and Eisenhower all seemed optimistic, forthright, and consistent in their convictions about the dignity of the individual. Of course, each erred in various other ways as human beings will do.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The outstanding presidents of this century are Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy. The characteristics [they share] are an ability to define with clarity broad directions for the nation and to communicate that vision in a manner convincing to the public.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
Ronald Reagan and Joe Gibbs. ``Both men have integrity and lead by inspiring individuals to believe in their abilities These great leaders recognized that success for a team or the nation is rooted in individual responsibility not government mandates.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Jimmy Carter and Ross Perot. Winston Churchill for his panache, Ghandi for his convictions, Carter for being a good man, and Perot for being honest to a fault.''
BAD LEADERS
Which leaders in this century don't you admire and why?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I think poorly of Senator Joseph McCarthy who, in the 1950s, used fear and innuendo to destroy innocent lives.''
John Warner (R)
Did not respond.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Those leaders who seek to divide rather than unite and who base their appeals on bigotry and hatred.''
George Landrith (R)
``Leaders I do not admire include Bill Clinton [and] Ted Kennedy who too often confuse talking with action and political expediency with strong leadership. Those who stick a wetted finger in the air to determine which way the wind is blowing are not leaders.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``I don't admire leaders who use fear, distortions, hate, and half-truths in pursuit of their own interests. Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro are two such examples.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I do not admire Newt Gingrich and the leaders that march to the beat of his drum. Their agenda is self-serving and does not represent the interest of the people.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I don't admire the authoritarian Lyndon LaRouche who, despite false media reports to the contrary, is not and never has been affiliated with the Libertarian Party or the libertarian movement.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I hold in minimal high regard the presidency of Ronald Reagan. His fiscal policies exploded the national debt. His war [in] Nicaragua was an embarrassment to this nation in the eyes of the international community and was entirely contrary to our national self-interest.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``I am troubled by Mr. Clinton's apparent lack of a moral foundation. His values change according to the opinion polls. I am equally concerned that many Americans apparently do not feel that integrity matters in a leader for I believe it is an indispensable quality.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. Bill Clinton for using smoke and mirror tactics such as statements like 'paying down the deficit.' Bob Dole, who used to be a deficit hawk, is now telling the public they can have their cake and eat it too.''
STATE VS. NATION
Give an example of when you would vote on an issue that helps the nation at large even at the cost of funding for our state.
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I strongly believe that we sacrifice our children's future by failing to balance the federal budget. Unless we are all willing to sacrifice a little, we will never balance the budget.''
John Warner (R)
``Generally speaking, a senator should put the national interest above his individual state's interests. I don't often find that Virginia's interests conflict with what is in our national interest.'' However, voted to kill funding for space station, which involved NASA jobs in Virginia.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I would always vote for the best interests of the Fifth District unless the defense of the nation was at stake, presumably this would also be in the interests of the Fifth District.''
George Landrith (R)
``I will vote in Virginia's interests but that does not always mean voting for money for Virginia. When I was on the school board, a federal grant to promote Outcome Based Education was proposed. I opposed the grant because I knew that OBE would not teach our children [basic subjects].''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``As part of a national review, the Military Base Commission recommended that some military bases in Virginia be closed. I voted for the overall recommendation because it was best for our nation even though some funding was at risk for our commonwealth.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``When our national security could be at risk or in a time of war, state funding may suffer cuts due to needs of our nation at large.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Virginia benefits from a big federal government and a big defence establishment. The nation's interests would best be served by a much smaller federal government and a 50 percent reduction in defense spending. I will vote accordingly.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I have supported reductions in the defense budget which were clearly warranted in the wake of our victory in the Cold War, even though some of the defense dollars saved through the spending reductions'' would have benefitted Northern Virginia and Tidewater.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``We are foremost Americans. Any decision that strengthens our nation also benefits our state. However, I will always work to ensure that Virginians receives fair treatment by the federal government.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I will not vote for keeping open any military facilities that the military did not want within or outside of Virginia. I would not support any major new spending programs in Virginia or out of Virginia until the budget is balanced.''
COMPROMISE
On what things are you not willing to compromise?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Obviously, I am not willing to compromise on basic principles like honesty and fairness. While I am willing to have an open discussion on any issue with any voter, I will not compromise on my support for public education and a woman's right to choose.''
John Warner (R)
``I will not compromise on matters involving constitutional rights, states' rights, personal freedom, and national security.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I will not compromise on honesty or integrity.''
George Landrith (R)
``I agree with Thomas Jefferson that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I cannot and will not compromise any of these basic rights.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``On matters of principle. As an elected representative, I have a responsibility to listen and work for reasonable solutions to problems. Too many people stick their fingers in the wind to decide how to vote or act. That's not principle.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I will not compromise my moral values or the principles of honor, dignity, and respect that shape who I am.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I will not for any reason compromise the decent political principles of my party. I will vote for legislation which, though imperfect, clearly advances those principles and is the best that can be done in the circumstances. I won't compromise the constitution.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I have staunchly resisted and will continue to resist the wholesale efforts that have been made by the new majority in Congress to treat the Constitution as a rough draft and enact numerous poorly-considered amendments.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``I will never compromise my core beliefs in God, family and country.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I will not compromise on the truth or on items that are immediate threats to our national security such as stopping deficit spending or reducing the national debt.''
LENGTH: Long : 464 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots (all 10). KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB