Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 6, 1995 TAG: 9505080071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
Jeff Brown, hired recently by the GOP to recruit blacks, insisted he was not disappointed by the turnout.
``The biggest thing we wanted to do is get some dialogue started,'' Brown said. He predicted that future events designed to lure blacks will draw more people.
The party sent out about 6,000 invitations. Brown had said he would consider a crowd of 200 a success because the rally was scheduled for a time when most people are working: 10 a.m. Friday.
The gathering looked especially small in the cavernous Arthur Ashe Center, which can hold thousands of people. Most of those in attendance were party regulars.
Democratic leaders looked upon the GOP effort with contempt.
``We do not need cheap gimmicks that disguise attempts to slash education, job development and community improvement efforts that open the doors of opportunity for all Virginians,'' Richmond-area members of the Legislative Black Caucus said in a news release.
Leonard Hays of Highland Springs was one of the few blacks who showed up thinking he might want to join the Republican Party. He said the Democratic Party takes blacks for granted.
``It's unhealthy, dangerous really, to be dictated to,'' Hays said. ``The Democratic Party is almost like Big Brother in some areas.''
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB