Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 10, 1993 TAG: 9312100250
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BY ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Wilder blasted Warner, a long-time ally, for remaining neutral in the debate over how to select the Senate candidate, despite calls for a primary from him, other potential candidates and some party leaders.
He also criticized Warner for failing to condemn "reprehensible" comments by one party leader that some Democrats are looking for a white, male candidate.
"He might fit that mold," Wilder said of Warner, adding that he has heard the chairman might be interested in the nomination.
Wilder plans to challenge the incumbent, his archrival, Sen. Charles Robb. At least two other candidates also are eyeing the nomination for Robb's seat. The Democratic state Central Committee will meet Saturday to decide whether to nominate by convention or primary.
Warner, who on Thursday repeated that he is not interested in the Senate job, said he is "disappointed by the governor's comments. My history with Gov. Wilder is well-known."
Warner, who managed day-to-day operations in Wilder's gubernatorial race, said he views his responsibility as party chairman to remain neutral on divisive party issues. He did disavow state party Vice Chairman Ken Geroe's comment last month that among Democrats looking for alternatives to Wilder and Robb there are some who want a "young, white, male, business professional."
"That comment was inappropriate and the Democratic Party and I disavow those remarks," Warner said. "If Ken intends to stay on as party vice chair, he should recant and apologize for those remarks."
Geroe, a Virginia Beach lawyer, could not be reached for comment. Warner said he and Geroe have discussed the matter and that he expects Geroe to explain himself when the Central Committee meets Saturday.
Wilder, Robb, Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, the legislative black caucus and labor leaders have called for a primary as a more open method of choosing the party's nominee. A primary also has the endorsement of Richmond lobbyist Sylvia Clute, who has announced her candidacy, and 11th District Chairman Dan Alcorn, a potential candidate.
Wilder also argues that a convention limits the voting strength of black Democrats, who are heavily concentrated in just one congressional district. Convention votes are apportioned by district.
Some Democratic activists have been leaning toward a convention, regardless of their leaders' wishes. The last time Democrats used a statewide primary, they nominated former Lt. Gov. Henry Howell for governor in 1977.
Gov.-elect George Allen has admitted being among thousands of Republicans who voted in that primary and backed Howell in the belief he would be the easiest Democrat for them to defeat in the fall. Howell lost to John Dalton.
"I know there are any number of my supporters who are against a primary because they don't want to get back into that trouble and because it is expensive," Wilder said.
Both Wilder and Robb said Thursday they have no plans to appear before the meeting of party leaders Saturday and are not lobbying the nearly 300 members for a primary.
by CNB