Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 11, 1994 TAG: 9406170120
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: VIRGINIA EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Lain O'Ferrall, a Richmond businessman who raised money for Robb's previous campaigns, said he decided to support Goode in Tuesday's primary after Oliver North won the Republican nomination last week.
``His closet is clean,'' O'Ferrall said of Goode, a Franklin County state senator for 20 years.
``There's an awful lot been said about Chuck,'' he said, referring to the incumbent's admitted marital indiscretions and reported socializing with drug users. ``That is going to come back to haunt Chuck Robb.''
O'Ferrall also said former Democratic Gov. Douglas Wilder is unlikely to get into the race if Goode defeats Robb.
But O'Ferrall said he likely would support Robb if he wins the primary. ``Anybody but Ollie is my feeling,'' he said at a news conference with Goode.
Robb spoke to a black ministers' conference in Hampton and delivered a get-out-the-vote message in an interview at a black gospel radio station in Richmond.
Robb praised the ministers for inspiring their followers by example, feeding the hungry, serving the poor and the poor in spirit.
He said they ``possess the moral courage to defend family values. ... I understand the importance of family. In my most difficult times, my family has been a source of strength.''
Robb had not heard about O'Ferrall's defection, but said he expected all Democrats' support once he wins the nomination.
``I have no reason to believe there will be any holding back, once we get ready for the general election,'' he said. Most Democratic interest groups and elected officials ``are very much on board'' his campaign, he said.
Goode held news conferences in Arlington and Richmond to hammer his message that North wants to oppose Robb in the general election.
``Why should Virginians do what Ollie North wants them to do?'' Goode said. ``Why should Virginians help Ollie North by doing his bidding and electing the weakest Democrat on Tuesday?''
North joked last week that ``a true patriot'' would vote for Robb Tuesday and North in November. His staff said North would welcome a campaign against Robb because of what they called the incumbent's liberal voting record.
Goode has compiled a conservative record on gun control, abortion and women's rights during his 20 years in the General Assembly.
Robb told reporters he thinks Republicans would really rather see him lose next week. ``It would be easier for them if they could knock me off in the primary,'' he said.
Robb said he expects to win the nomination but ``with a very low turnout, anything can happen.''
Also on the primary ballot are Richmond lawyer Sylvia Clute and Lyndon LaRouche supporter Nancy Spannaus.
Clute, who has struggled to raise money, began airing her first television commercial Friday, said Wink Lucas, a campaign spokesman.
The ad mentions her founding of the Women's Bank and efforts to reform state law to protect victims of abuse. It ends with Clute saying, ``I'm the candidate running on my record, not from it.''
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB