Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 26, 1994 TAG: 9408260058
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
"In fact, the public needs to know that some of Mr. Fast's most ardent supporters and closest advisers on gun-control issues were recently arrested by federal law-enforcement officials for allegedly, among other things, organizing a paramilitary group to promote guerrilla warfare and terrorism," state Sen. Jack Reasor, D-Bluefield, said on the Wythe County courthouse steps.
Fast, mathematics department coordinator at Bluefield College, is running against Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, for the 9th District seat.
Reasor was referring to members of the Blue Ridge Hunt Club who have attended gatherings in support of Fast.
Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have said James Mullins, the club's organizer, stored comments on a computer disk that called for targeting telephone relays, bridges and fuel tanks to incite a public uprising against authorities.
Mullins, of Pulaski, has been charged with possession and sale of unregistered silencers and assisting in the unlawful purchase of firearms.
He was among those attending a rally at which Fast was endorsed by Gun Owners of America. The National Rifle Association has endorsed Boucher.
William D. Stump II of Pulaski addressed reporters at Fast's media conference July 22 on those same courthouse steps in Wytheville. He joined Fast in questioning Boucher's support of firearms rights.
Stump since has been charged with possession of silencers and firearms without national registration, and claims the ATF charges are politically motivated.
Reasor said the men were "reportedly representing Mr. Fast's campaign at political rallies. ... Of course, these gentlemen are innocent until proven guilty. Yet, these charges are serious - especially when coupled with the fact that this is where Steve Fast goes for advice on gun-control issues."
Stump's remarks at Fast's media conference July 22 appeared to be his own idea, and not part of Fast's presentation.
Reasor underscored Boucher's voting record in support of gun owner rights, and said Fast - who lives in Reasor's home county of Tazewell - either distorted the truth on purpose or failed to do his homework.
Several attempts to reach Fast by telephone Thursday were unsuccessful.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB