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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 13, 1993                   TAG: 9310130225
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

ANGER SHOWS IN TERRY-ALLEN DEBATE

Terry opened the debate by calling Allen a stooge of the "radical right" campaigning on the "politics of hate."

Allen counterpunched, declaring that Terry is out "to divide Virginians on the lines of religion and race."

The debate apparently opened a season of charges and countercharges that both campaigns have been anticipating. It is likely, according to aides in both camps, to characterize the final three weeks of a race in which Terry and Allen are deadlocked, according to recent polls.

During the hour-long debate, Terry linked Allen to Virginia Beach Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson four times and to Lynchburg televangelist the Rev. Jerry Falwell twice.

Answering the call of some Democrats to attack Allen on issues important to Christian conservatives, she repeatedly pressed Allen on his positions favoring abortion restrictions, opposing gun control and proposing vouchers for families sending children to private schools.

But Terry opened the evening by charging that with the help of Republicans, Allen has created a climate of hate.

"Beyond the easy smile and beyond the pretty pictures of your campaign, you have encouraged this type of politics," Terry said. "You've encouraged it with your silence, you've encouraged it with your words, and you've encouraged it with your knowing wink."

Allen characterized his abortion position as one "of reasonable moderation" while admitting he would approve changes such as requiring the notification of the parents of a minor seeking an abortion and requiring a 24-hour waiting period.

"Stop bringing up Pat Robertson," Allen said at one point. "I'm happy to have Pat Robertson's support, but I have the support" of other Virginians as well, he said.

Allen charged Terry with watching the "embezzlement" of highway money to balance the state budget and later accused her of "handcuffing the state police" when they began an investigation into the alleged harassment of witnesses who claim to have seen U.S. Sen. Charles Robb at Virginia Beach parties where drugs were used.

"It's a sign of desperation," Allen said of Terry's attacks. "She's out of ideas, out of energy and out of touch."

Keywords:
POLITICS