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

DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993                   TAG: 9310070168
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: LON WAGNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ROCKY MOUNT                                LENGTH: Short

9TH SHOWCASES 3-VARIETY PACK

In the campaign for the House of Delegates from the 9th District, Republican Allen Dudley and Democrat Wes Naff III are distinguished primarily by their vastly different personalities. Independent Jerry Johnson's platform sets him apart from the other two candidates.

Dudley is a hard-charging, take-no-prisoners candidate, while the mild-mannered Naff refuses to attack his opponent. Johnson, an unknown to many voters, has tied his campaign to the repeal of a single amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The 9th District covers all of Floyd County, most of Franklin County and portions of Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. But the population balance of the district is centered in Franklin County, generally home to the district's representative.

If all other factors are equal, the Democratic candidate in the 9th District is presumed to have an advantage because of Franklin County's leanings. The race, in fact, opened up this spring when Democrat Willard Finney decided not to run.

Finney, a Rocky Mount attorney, has held the seat 12 years, but was a low-profile legislator not often found pushing major issues. Dudley and Naff both agree the major issues in the 9th District are recruiting jobs, education and fiscal responsibility at the state level. Johnson preaches "state's rights," and says jobs would come if the government stopped restricting business through taxes, mandates and tariffs.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB