Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 28, 1995 TAG: 9510300022
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Not only that, his opponent - Roanoke physician Newell Falkinburg - is an articulate and effective one, blessed with one of the best-stocked campaign-fund war chests in Virginia.
Falkinburg contends that 16 years, the time Woodrum has spent representing the 16th District, is too long for anyone to stay in office.
Unfortunately for Falkinburg, in an age when people are fed up with the status quo, Woodrum is a walking argument against term limits.
The Roanoke Democrat and lawyer, son of several generations of public servants, has a reputation for entertaining his assembly colleagues with his wry wit. But he also has another reputation: for accomplishment.
During his 16 years, he has gradually amassed seniority, friends and clout to the point he now is one of the House's most influential members. In the past session alone, he sponsored 34 bills of which a dozen passed.
How Woodrum tends to exercise his influence, moreover, has underscored over the years a serious social conscience and an abiding commitment to the Roanoke Valley's betterment.
Woodrum comes from an old-fashioned school of politics that regards public office as an opportunity to serve. He has been, to be sure, one of the most vocal, even caustic, critics of Republican Gov. George Allen. But his record over the years has been more practical than ideological.
He has focused a good portion of his efforts in Richmond on service to the Roanoke region - recently helping, for instance, to secure state funding for the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center project, and to block this year the governor's proposed budget cuts which would have hit the valley disproportionately and harshly.
On the campaign trail with an opponent who criticizes state government's bureaucracy and intrusiveness, Woodrum has found himself on the defensive, noting that government in Virginia is relatively well managed, scandal-free and unoppressive in its taxation. He has evidence on his side.
Falkinburg, a respected nephrology specialist and clinical professor, is an outspoken and refreshing candidate - not many doctors run for public office. Worries about a physician's political agenda make little sense, given the legions of lawyers in Richmond.
He is a true believer in Republican principles: less regulation, more individual responsibility. While he would provide a reliable vote for Allen's agenda, he clearly thinks for himself, and seems likely to steer clear of the extremism on a rampage in the GOP.
He hasn't, though, quite applied the generalities of campaign statements to the realities of state government.
Similarly, Falkinburg is right in general that a lot of politicians stay in power too long. Woodrum hasn't had opposition often enough. It doesn't hurt to feel occasional encouragement to stay in touch with a diverse district.
The Republican is running, though, against a legislator who, as part of an unusually effective delegation, has been a champion of decency in government, and has learned well how to serve his region and the commonwealth.
Woodrum deserves re-election because, more than despite, his 16 years in office.
Keywords:
POLITICS ENDORSEMENT
by CNB