Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 14, 1994 TAG: 9410140097
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"I'm a college professor with very little money," Fast said. "My family doesn't have any money connections, so not being targeted is not a big surprise."
Fast remained upbeat about his chances against Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon. "I think there'll be some surprises November 8," he said.
The state Republican leadership announced Wednesday that it would send up to $60,000 each to four challengers, including George Landrith, who is taking on Rep. L.F. Payne, D-Nelson County, in the 5th District. The money will come from the state party, the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.
But Fast was conspicuously absent from the list, especially considering that Boucher's voting record is similar to those of the targeted Democrats.
State Republican Party spokesman Dave Johnson said the targeting decision is no reflection on Fast's ability to win.
"It's a reflection of our financial resources," Johnson said. "We're spending every dime we can get our hands on. ... Rather than taking the pie and throwing half of [it] in an incumbent's face, we believe in throwing the whole pie.
"If we're able to raise any more than we think we can raise, we could add some to Steve at the end."
Fast said he had raised more than $170,000 as of this week and has approximately $60,000 in the bank.
Fast began airing a radio advertisement this week featuring his wife, Judy, and their children. He also has sent out direct-mail ads but says he's saving TV spots for the final push.
"We do plan to be on television. It's very expensive, of course," Fast said.
Boucher, meanwhile, started his TV advertising this week.
Fast also renewed his challenge to Boucher of three debates, saying the incumbent was avoiding his "responsibility" to explain his voting record. "We have to ask: `What is he trying to hide?''' Fast said.
Boucher, appearing at Virginia Tech to announce a federal research grant, said joint appearances with Fast are still being worked out. "We're going to do something. I don't know what yet."
Fast was in Blacksburg to discuss a detailed, four-page position paper on Republican ideas for welfare reform. Much of the material is included as part of the Republican Party's "Contract with America," a series of changes that GOP House challengers have pledged to enact should they take control of Congress.
Unlike four previous weekly news conferences, Fast did not directly attack Boucher or his policies. Instead, he focused on the need to change Congress. He said the income tax structure and the welfare system are the two greatest enemies of the family today; neither, he said, would be changed significantly unless Congress got an infusion of fresh blood.
"We are not going to change the direction of this country unless we change the House of Representatives," Fast said. "Because that's where the tax and spending originates."
Keywords:
POLITICS
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.