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

DATE: MONDAY, September 25, 1995                   TAG: 9509250071
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

INDEPENDENT FINDS FRIENDS IN THE GOP

Scott Beard has gained an unexpected ally in his independent bid to unseat incumbent Botetourt County Sheriff Reed Kelly, a Democrat:

The Republican Party.

While Beard had been discouraged early this spring from seeking the Republican nomination for sheriff, the party's county committee voted Thursday night to allow him to display his signs and campaign literature in Republican headquarters.

"It is sort of an endorsement, but it's not," said committee member Bud Brummitt. "There was no opposition. Some people feel Kelly is getting vulnerable."

However, Beard will not get any campaign money from Republicans, Brummitt said.

Kelly declined comment on the Republicans' action.

Citizen calendar

Want to hear the candidates? Here are some opportunities this week:

BLACKSBURG: Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at Donaldson Brown Auditorium at Virginia Tech. A debate between Del. Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, and Republican challenger Larry Linkous. Broadcast live on WVTF-FM, 89.1 FM.

ROANOKE: Thursday, 6-8 p.m., at Mill Mountain Theatre. Many of the Roanoke Valley's General Assembly candidates are scheduled to appear at a forum sponsored by a coalition of arts, culture and human service groups.

DUBLIN: Thursday, 7 p.m., at Rooker Hall at New River Community College. Many local candidates in Pulaski County are scheduled to appear at a forum.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB