Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 8, 1993 TAG: 9312080227
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Wilson beat Sam Garrison, 84-30, in a vote by the party's new central committee, which was selected by nearly 400 Democrats at the meeting.
Count it as a win for the party's mainstream establishment, which had suffered two stinging defeats at the hands of labor and liberal activists in the past two years.
Party leaders, officeholders and regulars combined to turn back the challenge by Garrison and the Progressive Democratic Coalition, which included union leaders, teachers, some black leaders, gays and lesbians.
This time, the party establishment was ready: Many party elders and others who are seldom seen at such gatherings helped fill the Roanoke Civic Center's Exhibit Hall.
They seemed determined to avoid a repeat of victories by unions and the more liberal wing in the nomination of Mayor David Bowers last year and Commissioner of Revenue-elect Marsha Fielder this year.
The Rev. Carl Tinsley, outgoing chairman, said it was the largest crowd he had ever seen at a meeting to choose a new chairman.
Wilson's supporters included former U.S. Rep. Jim Olin and former state Sens. William Hopkins and Granger Macfarlane.
If the selection of a new chairman had been based on a popular vote by the large crowd, however, the outcome Tuesday night would have been much closer, Garrison said.
Based on Garrison stickers in the crowd, he might have been correct.
But Wilson had much broader support in all areas of the city, a critical element in the two-step process required under party rules to choose a chairman to succeed Tinsley.
The Democrats had to caucus by districts and select members of the city committee, which then selected a chairman and other officers.
Garrison had the support of union leaders, but rank-and-file members did not turn out in large numbers. Some party officials said he might have been hurt because he is an outspoken advocate for gays and lesbians.
After the vote, Garrison moved to make Wilson's selection unanimous. He offered to work with the chairman and promised his support.
Wilson said he will try to unify the party and said he welcomes participation by the Progressive Democratic Coalition.
"I want the party to be open to everyone," he said.
Garrison was nominated for first vice chairman of the committee. But he was defeated for that post, too, as well as for sixth vice chairman. Wilson's supporters appeared to be in no mood to make Garrison an officer.
Wilson said he wished Garrison had been elected to the committee, because the party could use his skills.
Garrison said he expects the Progressive Democratic Coalition will remain active and have a role in the council election next spring.
"This is not the end. It is just the beginning," Garrison said. "The [Progressive Democratic Coalition] is here to stay."
Some of Wilson's supporters had strong feelings about Garrison.
"I don't like Garrison. He is an opportunist. He was a big Republican and now wants to run the Democratic Party," said David Scott, who is retired.
"If he could get something out of the Communist Party, I think he would join it."
Clarence Layman, a retired police commander, said he supported Wilson because Wilson is young and energetic. "I think he can help pull the party together."
Wilson said he wants to revitalize the party, a theme Garrison also stressed in his campaign for the post. Wilson hopes the party can register new voters and strengthen its precinct organization.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB