Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994 TAG: 9406300130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Political analysts, meanwhile, said no one scored a knockout blow in the debate Tuesday night on CNN's ``Larry King Live,'' but Democratic incumbent Charles Robb defended himself well against attacks from all three challengers.
North held a news conference to release ``An Agenda for Change,'' outlining his case for term limits, congressional reform and tax cuts.
``America is angry, and with good cause,'' North wrote in the booklet. ``We work longer hours, with less time off, and, in many cases, we have less to show for it at the end of the month.''
At the news conference, North emphasized his opposition to cutting Social Security benefits for wealthier recipients.
He said he would support other entitlement cuts to balance the budget, but gave no specifics except reforming welfare to provide tax breaks to employers who hire welfare recipients.
He said the deficit could be reduced by eliminating arts grants, federal land purchases and programs that undercut English as the official language.
``There's some really tough calls that need to be made,'' North said when asked to explain further how he would cut spending.
He said he would oppose any tax increases and called for numerous tax breaks for families and businesses.
Some of North's more novel planks involve congressional reforms. He said Congress should adjourn by July 31 instead of in the fall, members should be paid only for the days they are in session, and their perks should be taxed.
Spokesmen for Robb and independents Marshall Coleman and Douglas Wilder said they would issue their positions throughout the campaign.
North held up his issues booklet during the debate. But King told him no props were allowed, and Wilder took the booklet and dropped it on the floor.
Although analysts said North performed well in the four-way exchange, he complained that King constantly interrupted him.
``I was cut off several times last night and not allowed to finish a full sentence,'' North said. He said he would prefer debates with no moderator.
The candidates' next joint appearance is to be July 16 before the Virginia Bar Association in Hot Springs.
Emory & Henry College President Tom Morris, a political scientist who will moderate the Bar Association event, said all four candidates had reason to be pleased with the televised debate.
The three challengers got in attacks on Robb, and the incumbent got to defend his record and emphasize his alliance with President Clinton, Morris said.
``I doubt if anybody who hadn't already made up their mind to support a candidate made a final decision,'' he said. ``Although I suspect undecideds may have ruled out a candidate or two based on the debate.''
Virginia Tech communications Professor Bob Denton said voters probably got more of an impression of the candidates' personalities than their views during the 90-minute exchange.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB