Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 13, 1993 TAG: 9311130088
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
But some Democratic Party leaders, saying the former governor's status may change, include Baliles on a growing list of potential candidates.
George Gilliam of Charlottesville, head of the party in the 7th District, released the letter Thursday. In it, Baliles acknowledged that friends in both political parties "have expressed an interest in my running for the U.S. Senate in the 1994 campaign."
Various Democratic leaders are discussing alternatives to Sen. Charles Robb, should he bow out of the race. But a spokesman for Robb insisted Thursday that the senator has no intention of giving up his seat.
"The senator is running for re-election," said Susan Platt, his campaign director.
Gov. Douglas Wilder is planning to challenge Robb for the Democratic nomination, and Richmond lawyer Sylvia Clute said she will offer herself as an alternative to both Robb and Wilder.
The Republican challengers include Iran-Contra figure Oliver North; James Miller, economist and former budget director under President Reagan; and Jay Stephens, a former U.S. attorney.
Gilliam and Kenneth Geroe of Virginia Beach, Democratic chairman of the 2nd District, said they believe Baliles would be open to a strong draft next year, but only if Robb leaves the race.
Baliles states in the letter that he has "no intentions or plans to run" and is quite happy in private business as an international trade lawyer.
"Interestingly enough, that doesn't preclude everything," Geroe said.
Keywords:
POLITICS
Memo: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.