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

DATE: FRIDAY, February 24, 1995                   TAG: 9502240058
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

PAINTER DROPS OUT OF MONTGOMERY PROSECUTOR RACE|

Painter had announced in January that he would again seek the Republican nomination for the post. He lost his first bid for the office when incumbent Phil Keith captured 63 percent of the vote in 1991.

Painter was the only announced candidate for the chief prosecutor job, although Radford lawyer Joey Showalter is expected to announce his candidacy for the GOP nomination next week. Keith, a Democrat, has not made a formal announcement but has indicated he plans to seek re-election.

Wednesday, Painter announced he was withdrawing to concentrate on other matters.

"My focus in the coming months will be my wedding this spring and my new family," Painter said in a three-paragraph statement issued late Wednesday afternoon. "I am grateful for the prayers and support of family and friends."

"As a lawyer, I will continue to concentrate on criminal law, mental health law, and Christian and family rights. I shall remain a strong advocate for Constitutional issues touching people of faith and the Second Amendment," Painter said, adding that he will continue to be active in the Republican Party at both the local and state level.

Painter likely will relocate the Blacksburg law office he shared with lawyer Randy Jones of Christiansburg. Jones will join the Pulaski-based Public Defender office next month.