Roanoke Times Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: FRIDAY, December 3, 1993 TAG: 9312030093 SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Cranwell fell just short of the $200,000 barrier broken in recent years by a few House candidates from Richmond and Tidewater, according to campaign finance reports released Thursday.
"For Western Virginia, that is a stupendously large total for a House seat," said Larry Sabato, University of Virginia political analyst.
Sabato said the amount spent by Cranwell, a Roanoke County Democrat, is even more significant given the fact that radio and television advertising is relatively inexpensive in the western part of the state.
Cranwell sought to downplay the record-setting contributions he received from political action committees, businesses and lawyer/lobbyists from around Virginia.
Cranwell said he knew the race - his first since 1981 - would take a pile of money, because the state Republican Party would bankroll his opponent, Bud Brumitt, a retired engineer who moved to Botetourt County less than two years ago.
"We figured we'd spent between $150,000 to $200,000, depending on how much the Republicans put into the campaign," he said.
Cranwell said final campaign reports showing him outspending Brumitt by a more than 5-to-1 margin are misleading.
Cranwell said the gap is not so significant if money the state GOP spent on Brumitt's behalf is taken into account.
GOP leaders have said the state party gave Brumitt about $30,000 worth of direct-mail literature and radio commercials. Cranwell estimated the services were worth at least twice that amount.
Finance reports released Thursday show that money was a major factor in the closing days of the campaign in the 14th House District race, which comprises Craig County and portions of Roanoke, Bedford and Botetourt counties.
In the final two weeks, Cranwell received $44,660 in contributions, helping him make a strong finish.
Brumitt, on the other hand, raised $3,457 during the final two weeks. He received only one contribution of more than $100 during that period - $1,500 from Oliver North, the Iran-Contra figure who is likely to seek the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate next year.
Cranwell was able to call on dozens of political action committees and wealthy supporters. The estate of the late W.E. Cundiff, who was a Democratic kingmaker in Vinton, contributed $3,000. Two old-line Roanoke benefactors - George Cartledge of Grand Piano and John Hancock of Roanoke Electric Steel - each chipped in $2,000.
Cranwell reported last-minute contributions of $1,000 from seven sources, including the National Rifle Association.
Cranwell won with 59 percent of the vote, surviving a strong Republican surge. Gov-elect George Allen carried the 14th House District with 63 percent of the vote.
Some Republicans said the results suggested that Cranwell could be vulnerable against a candidate with deeper ties to the area.
"It's not that he's going down tomorrow, but he's got some real chinks," said Tim Phillips, administrative assistant to Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke.
Sabato agreed that the results - 41 percent for a newcomer like Brumitt - may draw a better-known candidate in 1995.
"Cranwell can't take anything for granted," Sabato said.
Cranwell said he was happy with 59 percent of the vote. "That's not bad for a fellow with a target on his back," he said.
Cranwell said he is prepared to wage a vigorous campaign - and raise a lot of money - when the next opponent shows up.
"Any elected official who thinks they are not vulnerable is soon to be gone from the political process," he said.
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POLITICS
by CNB