Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 8, 1993 TAG: 9305080297
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE and ROB EURE STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
"There's no record of accomplishment, it's not a secret," Wilder said of his fellow Democrat's performance in the Senate. "Name three things he's done - three things in five years. . . ."
"Where's the beef? It's not there," he added.
Wilder launched his attack in front of reporters moments after a keynote address in which he heralded 12 years of accomplishment by Democratic governors and called on the party to unite behind Mary Sue Terry, who will receive the gubernatorial nomination today.
But as he stepped off stage, Wilder told reporters he still is seriously considering challenging Robb for the U.S. Senate next year. Wilder refused to rule out the possibility that he'd bolt the party and run as an independent.
Wilder said he is not concerned by the possibility that a three-way race could catapult Oliver North - the likely Republican nominee - into the Senate.
"I don't know what Oliver North's record of acountability is," he said. "I do know what the incumbent senator's record is, and it bothers me."
Wilder discounted fears of many Democrats that an open fight with Robb would split the party deeply. "They said it when Dick Davis and Jerry Baliles ran [for the gubernatorial nomination in 1985], and it didn't split the party. What's the difference?
"It's not divisive insisting for what is right and contesting what is wrong," Wilder added. "That's the Democratic process."
Wilder and Robb have been at odds for years, but the governor has sharpened his attacks since January, when a federal grand jury decided not to indict Robb on charges connected to his staff's leaking an illegally taped Wilder telephone conversation.
Whether he runs as a Democrat or an independent, or not at all, Wilder said the party should break with tradition and decide its nomination next year in a primary election. Robb appears to enjoy greater popularity than Wilder among the party regulars who dominate conventions.
Wilder said he was encouraged by a poll this week that showed him running in a dead heat with Robb and North.
Robb's 10-minute remarks to the convention were limited to a pep talk for President Clinton and the statewide ticket.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB