Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 23, 1995 TAG: 9503230076
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Thorpe said Wednesday he has not made a final decision, but the possibility of Keith having opposition from within his own party has been a popular subject among lawyers and courthouse staffers since Thorpe's name began circulating weeks ago.
"I am exploring the possibility of running for commonwealth's attorney, and I do have a committee that's helping me with my decision-making," Thorpe said.
Thorpe said the office is one "that most any trial lawyer would aspire to, and I believe that my experience and service would make it a logical career move..."
Thorpe, 48, has been the county's attorney since 1984. Before coming to Montgomery County, he was Bedford's part-time city attorney for 11 years.
Although he has concentrated for the past decade on local government - representing the county in litigation and prosecuting county ordinances - Thorpe also pointed to his work in private practice from 1972 to 1982 and as an assistant commonwealth's attorney for Bedford from 1973 to 1976.
"In my 23 years of practice, I have tried cases at all levels ... up to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals," Thorpe said.
Thorpe attended Tuesday's Democratic Committee meeting to let the party know of his interest and to ask for their guidance.
Thorpe moved to Christiansburg two years ago after living in Blacksburg for eight years. He is a graduate of the Washington and Lee School of Law and is a member of the Local Government Attorneys Association.
Keith, who announced in February that he was running again, appears confident he has enough support to get his party's nomination. He said he considers Thorpe a friend and doesn't begrudge his considering a bid.
"I don't own the office," Keith said.
"Roy has simply indicated an interest in the job. ... Ambition is certainly a good thing."
Keith, 44, of Riner, said Democrats he has spoken with "have all said they certainly think I'm in line to carry the party line and have no trouble."
Keith has had two brain tumor surgeries since 1992, but says he is feeling well and ready for the rigors of a campaign.
Joey Showalter of Christiansburg, a partner in the Radford law firm of Stone, Harrison, Turk and Showalter, is seeking the Republican nomination.
Although neither Showalter nor Thorpe have made Keith's health an issue, Keith said he knows others may have concerns.
"I'm well aware this will be a whisper campaign," Keith said.
"I certainly am capable of doing the job. I've been doing it since I came back from surgery. ... The only problem that I'm having now is with some weakness on my left side."
County Democrats will hold a mass meeting June 3 to nominate candidates for constitutional officers and the Board of Supervisors. The Republicans meet May 20.
Keith was appointed commonwealth's attorney when J. Patrick Graybeal was appointed juvenile and domestic relations judge in 1989. At that time he was Graybeal's assistant, a position he had held for 11 years.
In 1991, Keith received 63 percent of the vote, defeating Joe Painter, a Republican.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB