Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 13, 1990 TAG: 9005130147
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROB EURE POLITICAL WRITER
DATELINE: AMHURST LENGTH: Medium
Olin, who claimed the nomination for a fifth term in Congress at the 6th District Democratic convention, said the deficit increase is forcing President Bush into budget negotiations and discuss higher taxes.
"He is recognizing he's not going to succeed and the nation is not going to succeed unless we do something a little different about this problem." Olin said.
The mounting deficit will stall efforts to improve education, repair the nations transportation system and improve the competitive posture of U.S. business, and slow efforts to stop illegal drug use, Olin said.
Moreover, because of a lack of money, the U.S. could squander an opportunity to help shape the countries in central and eastern Europe emerging from communist control.
"Those countries represent a huge opportunity for peace [and] trade," Olin said. "Here we're sitting with our hands tied behind our back with this huge debt we're trying to handle."
Olin did not say tax increases are inevitable, but he told the gathering of about 100 Democrats, "I'm one that's going to work for and support a solution to this problem. I hope when we do, you won't look too unkindly toward me. We're going to be voting for somethings that probably everybody won't be happy with."
Asked if he meant higher taxes, Olin said "call if whatever you like. Call it revenue. I expect we are going to have to look at something along the lines of the Rostentowski plan."
Ways and Means Committee chairman Dan Rostentowski of Illinois has proposed a package of spending cuts and tax increases, including hikes in the tax on liquor, cigarettes and oil and a lower income threshold for the top tax rate of 33 percent.
Olin said Congress would not pass higher taxes unless Bush supports them.
"We don't have enough votes to override a veto," he said of the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.
Olin, a former General Electric executive elected to the House in 1982, has no announced Republican opposition.
With the GOP district convention scheduled for next Saturday, Olin appears more and more likely to enjoy his first unopposed election.
But he told Democrats Saturday, "I'm not taking anything for granted. The last day we'll know for sure is June 12," the filing deadline for candidates.
In 1988, Republican Charles Judd filed his candidacy just before the deadline.
Olin's two Democratic colleagues from Western Virginia, Reps. Rick Boucher of Abingdon and L.F. Payne of Nelson County, also are unopposed so far.
by CNB