ROANOKE TIMES

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

DATE: FRIDAY, June 4, 1993                   TAG: 9306040270
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium


DEMOCRATS SEE TOUGH CAMPAIGN IF MUSSER RUNS

Democrat Marsha Fielder could face a tough fight to become Roanoke's commissioner of revenue if Councilman Howard Musser enters the race, the chairman of the city Democratic Committee said Thursday.

Musser likely would siphon off some Democratic votes from Fielder, the Rev. Carl Tinsley said, but he doesn't know how many.

Musser might be able to build a coalition of Republicans, independents and disaffected Democrats who supported David Anderson for the party nomination, Tinsley said.

The GOP will not field a candidate for either commissioner of revenue or the three other constitutional offices.

"It could be a very interesting race if Musser runs," Tinsley said. "I'm sure he would get some Democratic votes."

Some Democrats privately are worried that Musser could be a tough opponent for Fielder.

Musser has confirmed that he might run as an independent, but he has not made a decision. Tuesday is the deadline for candidates to file.

Councilman James Harvey, a close friend and political ally of Musser, said Thursday he's not sure what Musser will do.

The GOP's decision not to run a candidate increases the likelihood that Musser will enter the race, said Councilman William White, a Democrat who is backing Fielder.

Musser threatened to leave the Democratic Party and run for mayor as an independent last year after he lost a nomination fight to Mayor David Bowers.

Fielder said Thursday she will be prepared for a tough campaign regardless of whether Musser becomes a candidate.

"Either way, I hope to be ready," she said.

Fielder, who has worked in the Roanoke County commissioner of revenue's office for 13 years, expects most Democratic leaders to support her.

Most backed Anderson for the nomination, but Tinsley said they now support Fielder.

"I think you'll find that most party leaders will back her because she is the party's nominee," Tinsley said.

"She won it fair and square and I'm supporting her," White said.

Bowers and Vice Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. also have told Fielder they will support her.

Bowers stayed out of the nomination battle between Anderson and Fielder because he said he has received support from both in the past.

Bowers said Fielder will bring a new dimension to the campaign because she is a woman. He has promised to help her unite the party.

Jerome Howard, a Republican who has been commissioner for 28 years, is retiring this year.

Fielder's close victory in the fight for the Democratic nomination has fueled speculation that Musser or another well-known candidate might enter the contest. She won by 23 votes at the mass meeting that attracted nearly 700 people.

Keywords:
POLITICS



 by CNB