ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 29, 1997 TAG: 9703310069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gilmore, the likely GOP nominee for governor, said Thursday he would have signed the bill that fellow Republican Allen vetoed Monday.
Allen said the bill would ``accomplish nothing, except to criminalize conduct that is perfectly lawful'' elsewhere in the state.
Fairfax officials had sought the measure, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Gartlan, D-Fairfax County, to combat growing problems with youth violence.
Gilmore said signing the bill ``would be a positive signal to Virginia's parents that we are determined to keep their children safe in recreation centers everywhere.''
Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, Gilmore's likely Democratic opponent this fall, said he will lead an effort during Wednesday's veto override session of the General Assembly to block Allen's veto.
Gun rights advocates were critical of Gilmore's position.
``If Jim Gilmore wants to dance to the tune played by anti-gun Democrats, Paul Moog, executive director of the Northern Virginia Citizens Defense League.
But an aide to Allen said the governor would take the split opinions in stride.
``Everyone understands a candidate has to stake out his own positions and be guided by his own philosophy,'' said Allen spokeswoman Julie Overy. ``That is his prerogative, and it's the governor's responsibility to stand by the promises he made.''
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