Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 4, 1992 TAG: 9201040261
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
SCOTT LAUNCHES BID FOR CONGRESS
State Sen. Robert Scott, D-Newport News, announced Friday that he will run for Congress in the newly drawn 3rd house District - the state's first congressional seat with a majority black population.Scott, 44, a 14-year veteran of the legislature, can expect competition for the Democratic nomination from several other black politicians in the district - which stretches from Richmond to Norfolk and includes black precincts in Petersburg, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News. The district's population is 64 percent black.
Scott, who has served longer in public office than his potential rivals and has run for Congress once before, is seen as the leading contender. In 1986, he lost by 17,000 votes to Republican Rep. Herbert Bateman of Newport News in the old 1st Congressional District.
Scott's potential rivals in the new district include Richmond Del. Jean Cunningham; Richmond lawyer Jackie Epps, who heads the Virginia Retirement System; and Portsmouth Circuit Judge John Morrison.
Scott said he would prefer a primary election to choose the nominee, but no process has been selected because the party machinery still is being organized in the new district.
No Republicans have announced for the seat.
Scott said he has worked in the General Assembly to provide legislation and funds for prenatal care, well-baby medical care and immunizations. Health care would remain a priority in Washington, he said.
Four times Scott invoked the name of Rep. John Mercer Langston, Virginia's first and only black congressman, who served briefly in the late 1800s.
Scott declined comment on whether he would be better able to serve a black majority district than a white candidate. "I intend to run on my record," he said.
Scott said he does not plan to ask Gov. Douglas Wilder, who is running for president as his approval rating in Virginia sinks to an all-time low, to campaign for him. "But I am happy to have any support I can get, and that includes the governor."
Scott was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Newport News, where his father was a physician. He graduated from Harvard University and Boston College Law School.
Scott made his announcement at news conferences in Newport News and Richmond.