Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 6, 1994                   TAG: 9405060116
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

COLIN POWELL SAYS HE CAN'T SUPPORT NORTH

Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Bush administration and President Reagan's national security adviser, said he couldn't support North, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat held by Democrat Charles Robb.

``It has to do with my assessment of his ability and his conduct over that period of time - the Irangate period,'' Powell said in Thursday's editions of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. ``Because of my understanding of his activities, I would not have confidence in his ability to serve in the Senate.''

North, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel, was convicted of three felonies in connection with the Iran-Contra scandal. The convictions later were reversed on a technicality.

North's opponent for the GOP nomination is another alumnus of the Reagan administration, former budget director Jim Miller. Republicans will pick their nominee at a June 4 convention.

Powell, who has declined to reveal his political affiliation but has been courted by both Democrats and Republicans, didn't endorse any candidate.

``I'm not sure who I would vote for,'' Powell said. Powell, a resident of McLean, earlier ruled out a run for Robb's seat.

North spokesman Mark Merritt played down Powell's statement. He said another former Joint Chiefs chairman, Adm. Thomas Moorer, supports North, and Powell ``is entitled to his own politics as well.''

Keywords:
POLITICS