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

DATE: TUESDAY, June 14, 1994                   TAG: 9406140371
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SENATE PRIMARY TODAY, VOTERS HAVE THEIR SAY

BY THE END of today, barring an outcome so close that a recount is necessary, Virginians will know what U.S. Senate choices they'll have in the November general election.

But before November - today, in fact, anytime between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. - rank-and-file voters have an early opportunity to get in their licks. For the first time since 1977, Virginia Democrats are holding a primary to pick a statewide nominee. (State Republicans did so in 1989.) Voting places are the same as in other elections.

Three legitimate Democrats are on the ballot: incumbent Sen. Charles Robb, state Sen. Virgil Goode of Rocky Mount and Richmond lawyer Sylvia Clute. Also on the ballot is Nancy Spannaus, a follower of Lyndon LaRouche.

The winner will face Republican Oliver North in the general election in November. In addition, former Democratic Gov. Douglas Wilder and former Republican Attorney General and gubernatorial nominee Marshall Colemen have circulated petitions to get on the November ballot as independents. To qualify, petitions carrying sufficient numbers of valid signatures must be filed by 7 p.m. today.

It's a Democratic primary, but that hasn't stopped North himself from suggesting that his followers take part, theoretically to choose the weakest candidate. Because Virginia has no registration by party, even the most committed Republican can vote in it. Apart from the integrity issue raised by doing so, however, there's the question of which candidate would indeed prove the weakest in November.

Predictions are for a low turnout. Even the lowest of turnouts, of course, would still amount to several times the number of Virginians who took part in the convention system by which the GOP chose North.

Besides, a low turnout need not be inevitable. The audacious North gets headlines - but if the public-opinion polls are correct, someone else will get the Senate seat. In other words, the Democratic nomination to be decided today has value, which means the vote of each Virginian today has value. Only, though, if it's exercised.

by CNB