Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 10, 1993 TAG: 9306100436
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Fielder accused Musser of breaking a promise to support the Democratic nominee at the party's mass meeting last month when she won the nomination.
All participants in the meeting, including Musser, were required to sign a statement saying they intended to back the party's nominee.
Musser supported deputy city treasurer David Anderson, who lost the nomination by 23 votes.
"This is proof that [Musser] does not believe in the principles and traditions of the Democratic party," Fielder said. "I don't feel that true Democrats will accept [Musser's decision to run as an independent]."
Meanwhile, Musser has won the support of Republican Jerome Howard, who is retiring after 28 years as commissioner of revenue.
The GOP did not nominate a candidate for the post, but Howard said he will work for Musser.
"I will do what I can for him," Howard said, but he doesn't know whether the GOP will endorse Musser.
Musser has offered to resign if the city Democratic Committee asks for it. But he said Wednesday he won't do so because of Fielder's request.
He denied he pledged to support Fielder by participating in the mass meeting and signing the same statement as others. He said it was a statement of intent - not commitment.
If the Democratic Committee asks for his resignation, it will be using a double standard, Musser said.
Former Councilman James Trout was not ousted when he ran as an independent against some Democratic candidates for council several years ago.
"If they ask for my resignation, they should do the same thing for Trout," Musser said.
Several Democratic leaders appear reluctant to try to force Musser out of the party.
The Rev. Carl Tinsley, chairman of the Democratic Committee, said everyone has a right to run as an independent.
"I don't see that his running will hurt the party, at least not in local elections like this," Tinsley said. "He's doing an individual thing. Hopefully our candidate will still win."
Councilman William White supports Fielder, but he won't press to oust Musser from the party - and he doubts that will happen.
"I wouldn't think so, and I am not going to advance that idea," said White, a Democrat and former running mate with Musser.
White said Musser will offer voters a clear choice in November, adding he has a record of good and loyal service to the city.
Anderson, beaten by Fielder for the nomination, said he has not decided whom he will support. Musser has asked for his support, but he hasn't heard anything from Fielder.
A Democrat and close friend of Musser, Councilman James Harvey, said he will back him in the commissioner's race. "I'm a Democrat and I'm going to remain a Democrat, but friendship transcends politics," Harvey said.
Harvey said he has nothing against Fielder, but he has reservations about the possibility of a father and daughter holding the same office in two adjoining localities.
Fielder's father, Wayne Compton, is commissioner of revenue in Roanoke County.
Sheriff Alvin Hudson said he was surprised that Musser decided to run as an independent. "He has been a long, loyal Democrat and I'm not sure what impact this will have on the party."
Hudson said most Democratic leaders do not know Fielder well because she has not been very active in city politics.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB