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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 13, 1993                   TAG: 9310130271
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

ANGER SHOWS IN TERRY-ALLEN DEBATE

Democrat Mary Sue Terry opened the second televised debate of the campaign by calling Republican George Allen a stooge of the "radical right" campaigning on the "politics of hate."

Allen answered that 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 polls.

"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."

Terry cited a Republican Party toll-free phone number established this spring to gather dirt on her, and suggestions by Allen's campaign treasurer that Allen is better qualified to be governor because he is a husband and father.

She said the effort created a "climate to dig up sleaze and generate innuendo" in the campaign.

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

He unloaded some ammunition of his own, accusing her as state attorney general of "handcuffing the state police" by halting an investigation into the alleged harassment of witnesses who claim to have seen Sen. Charles Robb at parties where drugs were used.

Allen accused Terry of extravagant travel as attorney general to Hawaii, San Francisco, Seattle, Fort Lauderdale and the "Enchantment Resort."

Trips stemming from her involvement in the National Association of Attorneys General had improved her office and netted her the presidency of the group and recognition as having the best-run attorney general's office in the nation, Terry said.

Allen said Terry's office had spent $25 million on travel. Afterward, he corrected that to $25,000.

Allen characterized his abortion position as one "of reasonable moderation." He said he would approve changes such as requiring parental notification when an unmarried minor seeks an abortion and requiring a 24-hour waiting period.

Terry said women should be trusted to make decisions about abortion without a government-dictated waiting period.

Keywords:
POLITICS