Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 21, 1993                   TAG: 9305210146
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

WILDER TRIBUTE MAY LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR SENATE JOB

The event, which will be June 12 at the Eastern Shore farm of Hampton Roads developer Dan Hoffler, "is definitely a thank-you for his service as governor, but who knows what will happen when we get there?" said Patricia Kluge, one of the sponsors.

"If something is going to be said, that might be the time. But the governor plays everything so close to his chest," added Kluge, a frequent Wilder companion and the ex-wife of billionaire John Kluge, Wilder's biggest contributor in his 1989 race for governor.

Wilder has said he will decide in June whether to challenge Robb, either in a contest for the Democratic nomination or by running as an independent. Wednesday, the governor said he hasn't sought any commitments of support or contributions for such a campaign.

Paul Goldman, a Wilder political consultant who recently stepped down as chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party, didn't say anything to discourage speculation that Wilder might use the high-profile party as a springboard for announcing his plans.

"People everywhere are talking about the need for leadership, and more and more people are recognizing that the governor has exhibited the exact qualities people say are needed to straighten out the economy," Goldman said.

Wilder remains much in demand as a speaker outside the state. But his longstanding quarrels with Robb have contributed to low standings in polls at home for both politicians.

Ronald Dozoretz, another sponsor of the Wilder tribute, said he hopes it does not turn into the start of a campaign against Robb.

"Doug has done a good job as governor, and in the future he could do some fascinating things in this country," Dozoretz said, but he added that he is committed to helping Robb win re-election next year. Before Robb announced his candidacy for the Senate six years ago, Dozoretz had considered running.

Robb's press secretary, Peggy Wilhide, said Wednesday that the senator has not been invited to the event. She declined to comment further.

In 1988, Hoffler, once a political ally of Robb's, was speaking to Wilder when their car-phone conversation was recorded and a tape passed on to Robb staff members.

That incident, and the subsequent leaking of a transcript of the call to reporters, became the basis for a federal grand jury investigation that resulted in the conviction of five Robb aides and supporters.

Keywords:
POLITICS