Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 25, 1995 TAG: 9501250085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MATT CHITTUM
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat: ``I think the president made an attempt to reach out and say he wants to work on challenging issues on a bipartisan basis....
``I will say that he adopted a course that seemed more conversational than confrontational ... but if the American people came away thinking he's committed to smaller, more responsive government, then he's won the battle.''
Sen. John Warner, Republican: ``As always, President Clinton delivered a good speech, but will he remember it in the morning?
``He pledged himself to smaller government, less costly - 'leaner, not meaner' - but will he oppose real GOP efforts to cut the size, cost and intervening role of government and the deficit? Will he support a balanced budget amendment, less burdensome regulations?
``He promised stronger security at home and abroad, but will he support real anti-crime measures? Will he endorse a strong defense package?''
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke: ``The question is, will he do what he says he'll do?
``If he will, that would be embracing many of the things in our Contract With America, and that would create an opportunity for us to work together on things like the line-item veto....
``If it's just rhetoric, though, we're in for a very contentious battle.''
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon: ``I congratulate the president on a strong speech, which sets the right priorities.
``I also congratulate him on his numerous economic successes, including the creation of 6 million new jobs, low inflation, deficit reduction and a major reduction in the size of the federal government.
``I also applaud his call for a new emphasis on worker retraining and skills development. Southwest Virginians need this assistance, as the workplace of the 21st century will require a higher level of skills.''
by CNB