Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502160101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Rep. L.F. Payne of Nelson County and Owen Pickett of Virginia Beach are among 23 House Democrats who have formed the Coalition, a splinter group of conservative Democrats who may pose a challenge to the party's liberal leadership.
In telephone interviews Wednesday, Payne and Pickett said Coalition members actually are looking to strengthen the Democratic Party by moving it to the center of the political spectrum.
``We didn't form because we were angry or mad,'' Payne said. ``What we are doing is reaching out. We have moderates and conservatives in the party ... and we want to bring them closer to the middle and mainstream, because that's where we feel most of the people we represent are right now.''
According to Pickett, the group is the outgrowth of years of discussion among moderate Democrats who believe neither major party platform reflects their views or the view of most American citizens.
``The two parties seem so committed to a program that is focused on enhancing the party posture,'' he said. ``Somebody needs to stand up for America.''
Payne said the Coalition will focus initially on two large issues - fostering fiscal responsibility and creating a flexible welfare system designed to move people from welfare to work.
Beyond that, he said, the group hopes to tackle health care reform and perhaps even propose its own budget.
There are ``certain issues we all want to address,'' Payne said. ``So there's a need for people like us to be able to moderate legislation ... to reach between parties and get Democrats and Republicans together.''
Coalition members, who announced the group at a news conference Tuesday, have invited Republicans to join their effort.
Although Republicans, who hold a 230-204 majority in the House, have displayed extraordinary party discipline so far, Pickett said he has talked informally with several about supporting the Coalition.
``The invitation is certainly there,'' he said.
House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, who has tried to accommodate demands by conservatives for more say about the party's direction, also worked to put the best face on the situation.
``We want Democrats to be working with Republicans to find answers to problems,'' Gephardt, D-Mo., said Tuesday. ``So I see this as nothing but positive.''
by CNB