Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 8, 1994 TAG: 9401080152
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
"For 2 1/2 years, I've said virtually nothing," Robb said during an informal lunch with reporters. "There's an enormous amount of disinformation and misunderstanding out there.
"It appears clear to me that the perception is at complete variance with reality in terms of who I am and what I stand for," Robb added.
Robb acknowledged he has been harmed by revelations in 1991 that his staff leaked the transcript of a secretly taped telephone conversation between Gov. Douglas Wilder and Chesapeake businessman Daniel Hoffler. Although a federal grand jury declined to indict Robb, three key members of his staff resigned and pleaded guilty to minor charges related to the taping.
Adding to the senator's problems were repeated stories that he attended parties in the early 1980s where cocaine was used, and a beauty queen's claim that she had an affair with Robb in 1984.
Robb has denied seeing or using cocaine or having any extramarital affairs. He has said he received a nude massage from the beauty queen, former Roanoker Tai Collins, but that they did not have sex.
Wilder is expected to challenge Robb in a June 14 primary election for the Democratic nomination. The winner likely will face Republican Oliver North in the general election.
Robb, who has been promising for several years to give his account of the scandals, declined to say exactly when he will do so.
Robb did, however, answer Wilder's 6-month-old challenge to name three things he had done in the Senate. Robb said he has been a voice for "fiscal responsibility," was the first Senate Democrat to endorse the use of U.S. force in the Persian Gulf War, and has worked quietly for a variety of measures to benefit Virginia's economy.
Robb said it is difficult to compare his accomplishments during six years in the Senate to Wilder's successes as governor. "It's very different experiences," he said. "You're one of 100 in the Senate and your ability to set the course isn't as great" as a governor's.
Robb added, however, that he will be eager to compare his record as governor from 1982 to 1986 to Wilder's, and his record as a Marine officer to North's.
Robb said he views this year's race as a special challenge. "You don't have to be a political scientist or a pollster to know that very significant damage has been done to my standing with the Virginia electorate," he said. "In many ways, I have to start from scratch.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB