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

DATE: SUNDAY, November 20, 1994                   TAG: 9411210082
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Medium

ALLEN RENEWS CAMPAIGN TO LET PEOPLE TAKE BACK GOVERNMENT

``After years of power-grabbing by a federal government that is both out of touch and out of reach of the people, Americans have sent an unmistakable message that they want to take back their government,'' Allen said, referring to the GOP sweep on Election Day.

``They don't want unelected federal bureaucrats and judges deciding every aspect of their lives. They don't want politicians in Washington passing `one size fits all' rules and regulations ... the people want decisions made at the community level and in the states, where their voices can be heard.''

Allen sounded many of the same themes he voiced in news conferences last week in Richmond and Washington, when he introduced his campaign for federalism to state and national audiences. Federalism is the distribution of power among the central government and the states.

Allen said he would lead Republicans on a charge for federalism and state self-determinism when he hosts the four-day Republican Governors Association annual conference in Williamsburg beginning today.

``During our meetings and discussions this weekend, we'll begin to chart a course to reduce the intrusion from Washington and bring government decisions to a level closer to the people,'' Allen said in the radio address.

Allen said he wants other governors to back his proposal for a constitutional amendment to allow the states to repeal ``improper or intrusive federal laws'' and initiate constitutional amendments when three-quarters of the states approve.

The Constitution requires that an amendment be passed by two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress, then be ratified by three-quarters of the state legislatures.