Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 27, 1991 TAG: 9103270505
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Wilder's supporters planned to file the organizational papers with the Federal Election Commission, possibly as early as today, said Paul Goldman, the Virginia Democratic Party chairman and a close associate of Wilder.
Wilder's presidential ambitions have been no secret, but it was unclear whether he would enter the 1992 race or wait until 1996. By law, Wilder does not have to file with the FEC to raise and spend money testing the waters for a presidential run.
But such committees have become standard practice for those considering presidential campaigns. Any money raised by the committee could be transferred into a presidential campaign treasury if Wilder formally entered the race.
"There are people interested in having him run and the governor authorized some of them to form the committee," Goldman said in a telephone interview. "It doesn't change his status any, or mean he'll definitely be a candidate, but it allows us to go out and raise money and do some things that are necessary under the law."
Goldman said Wilder has several invitations for events in Iowa and New Hampshire, which hosts the first formal primary in the Democratic selection process, and likely would visit those states soon. He also has a trip to Tennessee this week and is speaking to a party dinner in Delaware next month.
"The governor wants to be part of the national debate and I think this will allow him to play a greater part," Goldman said.
Wilder vaulted to national status in the party with his 1990 election as governor. His national aspirations were instantly an issue because by law he can serve only one term.
Wilder has alienated some in the party, particularly liberals, by challenging Democrats to adopt a more pro-business attitude and reject higher taxes.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB