Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 19, 1994 TAG: 9407200041
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Short
Gramm spoke before about 300 people at a $25-per-person fund-raising breakfast for Republican Oliver North, one of three challengers to Democratic incumbent Sen. Charles Robb.
``Chuck Robb has voted for every bad idea Bill Clinton has had since he has been in Washington,'' said Gramm, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a presidential prospect in 1996.
He criticized Robb's tax votes and his support of labor issues. Gramm also said North will help stop Clinton's health care reforms, which he called socialized medicine.
Gramm said afterward he has no reservations about supporting North despite North's role in the Iran-Contra scandal.
``When the courts ruled and the Republicans made their nominating decision, that settled that issue,'' Gramm told reporters.
North was convicted of felonies for destroying documents on the arms-for-hostages deal, accepting an illegal gratuity and aiding in the obstruction of Congress. The convictions were overturned on appeal because his trial was tainted by congressional testimony North gave under immunity.
As chairman of the Senatorial Committee, Gramm is working to get Republicans elected to the Senate across the country.
Other candidates are former Gov. Douglas Wilder and former state Attorney General Marshall Coleman, both independents.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB