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

DATE: MONDAY, June 25, 1990                   TAG: 9006250158
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DES MOINES, IOWA                                LENGTH: Short

THE RITUAL PLAYS WELL IN IOWA

Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder didn't lack for attention as he spent the weekend stumping inner-city churches and schools.

Activists and reporters turned out in droves to hear him make it clear "I have no apparatus in mind" but warn it's well past time for Democrats to begin the drive to oust President Bush from office.

Wilder raised money for Democratic candidates, rubbed shoulders with party activists and campaigned in the media markets. He carefully described the type of candidate who would be an ideal nominee and said, "I'd like to think I'm one of those persons."

In the delicate ritual dance of early stirrings, he made it clear that nothing he was doing or saying should be interpreted as interest in the White House. Still, he conceded "it is not saying `Bring the Bible and I'll put my hand on it.' "

Iowa activists understand the ritual well and immediately began handicapping the candidate.

"Does it sell today? I don't know," said Iowa Democratic Chairman John Roehrick. "Will it sell in two years? I think so."

Roehrick said there's a new sense among Democrats that they need to find tough-minded managers to run social programs the party favors and activists are increasingly willing to listen to that pitch.

by CNB