Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 17, 1992 TAG: 9203170303
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FAIRFAX LENGTH: Medium
Such a move would prevent a divisive primary fight with Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, who is widely viewed as the front-runner for the Democratic Party nomination.
Beyer, 41, has been flirting with a bid for governor since he won his first bid for elective office in 1989. Last year he went so far as to say that "waiting your turn" is not leadership.
"I don't back off that statement," Beyer said at a news conference at George Mason University. "But there are reasons to wait because timing is everything in politics."
Asked if it was fair to say he is inclined not to run, Beyer said, "That's a fair inclination, but it's not a decision." He said he has given Terry "no personal assurance" that he will not run as governor.
Terry has lined up the support of key Democratic officials and held several fund-raisers to prepare for the race. She also has gained attention for her efforts to crack down on drunken drivers.
Beyer acknowledged that Terry has "done a very good job for preparing herself" to be governor.
He said he has not focused on 1993 so much as as trying to "build first and foremost a record of leadership for whatever I want to run for."
Beyer called Monday's news conference to publicize his legislative accomplishments in the 1992 session.
He said 19 of the 22 bills and resolutions he introduced were passed, including several proposals from his Economic Recovery Commission.
But Beyer was unsuccessful in blocking legislation that would require a physician to notify a parent before performing an abortion on a minor.
Beyer said he has urged Gov. Douglas Wilder to veto the bill.
Keywords:
POLITICS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.