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

DATE: SATURDAY, June 23, 1990                   TAG: 9006230104
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: DES MOINES, IOWA                                LENGTH: Medium

WILDER URGES PARTY TO FIGHT/ IN IOWA, GOVERNOR TRIES TO STIR UP FIRE AMONG

"Let's get on out, let's move, let's speak," Wilder said as he began a high-profile swing around Iowa. Iowa's precinct caucuses are an early test of presidential strength.

Wilder said the trip to Iowa was to campaign for local Democrats. But his visit drew heavy attention and he conceded one goal would be "to speak about what I think is taking place around the country in terms of people recognizing the need to have voices articulating what the new mainstream is."

The "new mainstream" theme is central to Wilder's appeal. Many Democrats view him as a far less threatening black presidential candidate than Jesse Jackson.

"Those persons comprising what it takes to be in that new mainstream should indeed be considered" by Democrats, Wilder said. "There are any number of those persons around, and I'd like to think I'm one of those persons."

Wilder said his mind was not on a run for the party's presidential nomination, but his comments did nothing to dampen speculation.

"I think it's so important that we establish dialogue at the national level; my interest is doing just that," Wilder said.

Wilder chastised potential candidates for sitting on the sidelines. He was particularly harsh with those talking about sitting out the 1992 election because of Bush's high approval ratings.

"I think it's bad, I think it's a mistake to believe that you can sit out for four years and come back and be a leader four years later," Wilder said.