Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 26, 1995 TAG: 9509260042
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"I have received many generous contributions over the past few weeks. I appreciate these but will be returning them," Phil Keith said in a letter sent to voters on the county's Democratic Party mailing list.
Keith is opposed this year by Joey Showalter, the Republican nominee for commonwealth's attorney.
"As was true four years ago, I will not accept any contributions. I am very fortunate to be able to finance my own campaign," Keith said.
He suggests potential donors give their money to other Democratic candidates instead.
"In 1991, I accepted three small contributions and no more. I decided then that one who is seeking the office of commonwealth's attorney should not give the appearance of being obligated to contributors in making decisions," Keith said in a news release.
Showalter said Monday he was "very honored and grateful that people are willing to come forward" and donate to his campaign. "My influence can not be bought," he said.
Showalter said the support he has received - both financially and from volunteers - shows voters want a change in the commonwealth's attorney's office.
This year, Keith made $9,500 in loans to his campaign in July and August, with a total raised of $10,224. He spent $7,250, leaving a balance of $2,974.
Showalter reported $4,225 in donations from 54 contributors, including seven who gave more than $100 each. He spent $3,638 and had $613 in the bank as of Sept. 1.
Keith used the letter, too, to assure fellow Democrats that he's ready for the campaign season. He recently completed several weeks of radiation treatment to shrink the remnants of a benign brain tumor he has had for 13 years and for which he has twice undergone surgery.
Keith returned to work earlier this month after his last radiation treatment Aug. 25.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB