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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 28, 1993                   TAG: 9306010192
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

U.S. ATTORNEY

IN ROANOKE, there's doubtless some disappointment that home-towner lawyer John Edwards wasn't tapped by Sen. Charles Robb to become U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia. Instead, Robb's nod for the post went to Martinsville attorney Robert P. Crouch Jr.

Within the political framework in which such selections are made, Crouch is a solid choice. Because he is Virginia's only Democratic senator, Robb's endorsement virtually ensures that President Clinton will nominate Crouch, and it's highly unlikely the Senate would not confirm the nomination.

Crouch has strong qualifications as an attorney and civic leader in Henry County. In the Democratic party, he is a former 5th District committee chairman. A protegee of a respected former U.S. senator, Virginia's William Spong, Crouch has long been considered a moderate and a voice of reason in the state party, where he's held several top jobs.

Not insignificantly, he also was an early supporter of Clinton for president.

As for Edwards? Some might have assumed he had the edge - if for no other reason than that he already has served as U.S. attorney for this district. As an appointee of former President Jimmy Carter, he earned a reputation as a vigorous prosecutor.

Certainly his party credentials are as solid as Crouch's. (Edwards also was thought last year to have an edge in the race for the Democratic nomination in the 6th congressional district. That didn't happen, either.)

Perhaps next time for Edwards. Perhaps a judgeship.

Meanwhile, Crouch for U.S. attorney is a very good choice.

by CNB