Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 27, 1992 TAG: 9201270137
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BRISTOL LENGTH: Medium
WAMPLER CONSIDERS CHALLENGING BOUCHER FOR 9TH DISTRICT SEAT
Former Rep. William Wampler Sr. is considering whether to mount a campaign aimed at challenging his old adversary for control of Virginia's 9th District.Wampler, 65, of Bristol, was an eight-term incumbent in 1982 when Rick Boucher, an Abingdon lawyer and Democratic member of the Virginia Senate, defeated him by 1,100 votes.
"I would like to be a candidate," said Wampler, a Republican, "but I've got to consider some personal things first. It's a big decision."
Wampler said he has had the upcoming race under active consideration and hopes to reach a decision within 10 days.
"I have not discouraged any others who have expressed an interest," Wampler said. "I think it will be safe to say there's going to be a Republican candidate."
Ninth District Republicans have until June to nominate a candidate for the November election.
Only one Republican has declared his intentions for Boucher's seat. Lewis Sheckler, a music professor at Radford University, announced earlier this month he will seek the GOP nomination.
Sheckler refused to discuss how Wampler's potential candidacy might affect his own bid for Congress.
But former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kilgore said his candidacy hinges on Wampler's decision.
"I'm definitely watching Wampler and waiting for his decision before I make any type of decision," Kilgore said. "If [Wampler] runs, I think a large majority of us will be right behind him."
Kilgore, 30, last week left his federal post in Abingdon to join his brother's private law practice in their hometown of Gate City.
If Wampler opts to challenge Boucher and lands the GOP nomination, it will not be the first time he has attempted to win back his seat.
In 1954, after only two years in office, Wampler was defeated by Pat Jennings by 999 votes. In 1956, the margin grew to nearly 7,000 votes with Jennings again beating Wampler.
Ten years later, Wampler again battled Jennings. Wampler won back his seat, bettering his opponent by nearly 7,000 votes.
Wampler retained his seat in the House of Representatives until 1982, when he was defeated by Boucher.
Keywords:
POLITICS