Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 21, 1995 TAG: 9510220014
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In campaign literature mailed to voters this week, Falkinburg zeroed in on Woodrum's vote on the 1994 bill to abolish parole, charging that the Democrat was "one of only 10 liberal delegates to vote NO."
Actually, Woodrum voted for the final version of the parole abolition bill but against an earlier version.
Here's a closer look at the claims and counterclaims:
\ The Charges: "Ever wonder why so many prisoners get released early? ... Because politicians like Chip Woodrum don't tell the truth."
"Crime is out of control, but Chip Woodrum has one of the records on crime in Virginia. Too bad it doesn't stop him from tough on crime. Read on.
"Woodrum's vote against 'truth-in-sentencing' laws perhaps best illustrates how double-talking politicians view our justice system. When you read Chip Woodrum's campaign literature, you'll see that he likes to talk about crime. But take a look at his voting record, and you'll be surprised.
"In Virginia, a murderer sentenced to over 40 years in prison would only serve about 10 years! Among Governor Allen's criminal justice reforms (HB5001) was truth-in-sentencing and parole abolition. Chip Woodrum was one of only 10 liberal delegates to vote NO. In fact, he voted against nearly all of the new criminal justice reforms.
"Does that stop Woodrum from talking tough on crime? Nope. After 16 years in Richmond, Woodrum knows how to play the political game.
"On November 7th, send him a message."
What's not being said: Woodrum initially voted against the bill because he wanted additional funding for crime prevention but changed his mind and supported it on final vote after being assured by other lawmakers that prevention programs would be taken up this year.
The message:Falkinburg is doing what many Republicans who are trying to unseat Democratic incumbents are doing - illustrating how Democrats have opposed much of Allen's agenda.
Falkinburg has homed in on crime. He held a news conference Friday to announce that he'd received an endorsement from the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, a Falls Church-based organization that bills itself as the nation's largest coalition of law enforcement, crime victims and concerned citizens "dedicated to making America safer." He again blasted Woodrum for making an "all-out effort to derail Governor Allen's anti-crime policies."
Woodrum, perhaps anticipating Falkinburg's attacks, had earlier sent out mailings in which he drew attention to his opposition to Allen's budget cuts, which Woodrum points out would have cut funds for nine police officers in the Roanoke Valley. "When it Comes to Making Our Streets Safer, Woodrum Works," his literature reads.
Woodrum also points to his support by several law enforcement organizations, including the Virginia Police Benevolent Association - which endorsed him this week - and the Virginia Sheriff's Association, as evidence that legislatively, he must be doing something right on crime.
Woodrum said Falkinburg has "got a lot of money, and obviously he's going to spend that money trying to misinterpret my record."
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by CNB