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

DATE: MONDAY, November 7, 1994                   TAG: 9411080040
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE AND ALEC KLEIN STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: NORFOLK                                LENGTH: Medium

DOLE, NORTH SPAR WITH JESSE JACKSON

On Sunday, with 48 hours remaining in a tense U.S. Senate battle, it was a scene reminiscent of the OK Corral when Republican Oliver North and Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole bumped into Jesse Jackson at Norfolk International Airport.

"I'm going to send you my record on civil rights, because you've got it all mixed up," Dole said sternly to Jackson. In line to become majority leader if Republicans gain control of the Senate, Dole told Jackson that "when I take over, I'll give you a call."

"Then I'll have to wait a long time for that call," replied Jackson, who came to town to urge black voters to support North's Democratic opponent - incumbent Charles Robb.

"You guys are going to be in Moorer's shape," Jackson quipped, referring to Michael Moorer, who lost the heavyweight boxing crown Saturday night to George Foreman.

As they parted company, a smiling North handed Jackson a handwritten note that said: "Jesse, I want your vote. Oliver North."

"I don't live in Virginia," Jackson replied.

And as soon as the Republicans were out of sight, Jackson told reporters that he considers North and Dole to be racially divisive.

"They stand to tear us apart and they have not been subtle about this," he said. "They never lifted a finger for South Africa or Haiti."

Accompanied by Dole and Gov. George Allen on Sunday, North was met by cheering throngs at airport rallies in Washington, Norfolk and Richmond.

Dole said Virginia's election may determine whether Republicans gain enough seats on Tuesday to take majority control of the Senate.

Robb, accompanied by United Mine Workers president Richard Trumka and a bevy of Democratic officeholders, was met by moderate-sized but enthusiastic crowds at rallies in Grundy, Richlands, Wise and Clintwood.

Independent Marshall Coleman campaigned at an arts and crafts show at the State Fairgrounds in Richmond. He used boxing underdog George Foreman's victory as a metaphor.

"Foreman won last night. I think that's a sign," Coleman told a Charlottesville woman browsing through the aisles.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB