THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995                 TAG: 9503110012
SECTION: COMMENTARY               PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Editorial 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   48 lines

POLITICANS DON'T KNOW WHEN TO STOP TIME TO SPEAK SOFTLY

As if Republican Gov. George Allen and his Democratic foes in the General Assembly didn't produce enough rancor at the recent session, their harsh exchanges continue uninterrupted after adjournment.

First, Mr. Allen responded to results of the 46 lawmaking days by crisscrossing the commonwealth to blame Democrats for sacking most of his 1995 agenda, his plan to reduce the state income tax included. Now House Majority Leader C. Richard Cranwell and other Democrats are going statewide in rebuttal.

The often bitter partisanship, following a more cordial atmosphere last year, was to have been expected. Less than eight months hence Virginians will elect all 140 Assembly members - 100 delegates, 40 senators.

Because the Democrats' edge is slight in both chambers, GOP leaders see a real chance to win legislative control. Toward that end they received a potentially crucial boost last week: Eliot Schewel of Lynchburg is retiring after 20 years in the Senate. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and a member of three Senate Finance subcommittees as well as eight study committees, he conceded the heavy workload made him weary. ``Maybe,'' he said, ``it was burnout.''

Fellow Democrats fear that not only will the conservative 23rd District (including, in addition to the city of Lynchburg, Amherst and Bedford counties and part of Campbell County) go Republican in November; Schewel's exit also may be the first of several.

Granted, much is at stake in the election; GOP control of the legislature, or even one of its houses, would make political history. But much also remains at stake for Virginians. And though elected officials can't be expected to ignore their partisan concerns, the commonwealth's interests ought to come first.

Many issues debated this year remain unresolved. In a dramatic turnabout, the recent Assembly passed only 571 bills while allowing 993 to die. This is virtually an exact reversal of the outcome a year ago when 955 passed and 540 were killed.

Virginians have a right to expect some effort by both sides to work together, where they can, for the state's good. At the least, Virginians deserve a respite from the silly name calling. by CNB