Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 10, 1990                   TAG: 9004100375
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ROB EURE POLITICAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

UNOPPOSED OLIN RAISING FUNDS

The Roanoke Democrat released his campaign finance report Monday showing that he has $109,767 in the bank.

Most of the money came from a series of March fund-raisers in Lynchburg, Roanoke and Harrisonburg, said Bill Black, Olin's top Washington aid.

"This is the best position we've been in at this point in the campaign," Black said Monday. "We've had unusual success in raising money in the district this year."

Olin has another fund-raiser planned in Washington this month. That function, which draws contributions from political action committees, generally raises about $20,000, Black said.

Olin has started fund-raising despite the lack of an opponent so far.

Former Roanoke Mayor Willis Anderson is the only Republican still actively considering a race against Olin this fall. Several other Republicans who had considered a challenge have decided against it.

Time is becoming an obstacle to those who might oppose Olin. Most serious challengers have assembled a campaign staff and are well into fund-raising at this point.

Black said the spring fund-raising is notice that Olin is preparing as if he will face opposition.