ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608120058
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
Virginia's delegation to the Republican convention includes some big names - Gov. George Allen, Christian Coalition Executive Director Ralph Reed, religious broadcaster and coalition founder Pat Robertson, a smattering of congressmen and other office holders. But most of the roster consists of rank-and-file party activists. These are the delegates that Republicans in Western Virginia are sending to the convention - and some of the hopes and concerns they have on their minds as they head off to San Diego. An asterisk indicates an alternate.
TRIXIE AVERILL*
Roanoke County
Age: 47
Occupation: Homemaker
Background: Unsuccessfully ran for the House of Delegates in 1995
Previous conventions? Guest, 1988; alternate, 1992
Goals? ``To keep the pro-life plank in the platform" and "for the party to offer a winning platform and candidates that the American people will embrace and elect.''
Concerns? ``I don't have any concerns. I believe the party is doing fine.''
WARREN BROWN JR.
Roanoke County
Age: 33
Occupation: Machinist
Background: Unsuccessfully ran for Catawba District seat on Roanoke County Board of Supervisors in 1995
Previous conventions? None
Goals? Choosing a vice presidential candidate who would be a good president in four years and "ensuring the direction my party is taking will be the correct direction for future generations.''
Concerns? ``My greatest concern is that the leaders are given equal time to express our vision for America instead of short sound bites that misrepresent our views.''
ROGER DEAN
Lexington
Age: 48
Occupation: Washington and Lee professor
Background: Chairman, Rockbridge County, Lexington, Buena Vista Republicans
Previous conventions? None
Goals? ``To name a conservative, pro-life, pro-family vice president.''
Concerns? Moderates trying to imitate liberals. "Some moderates want us to abandon our pro-life, pro-family conservative ideals.''
TOM DEBUSK
Blacksburg
Age: 32
Occupation: Works in Virginia Tech university relations office
Background: Unsuccessfully sought GOP nomination for 9th District seat in Congress this spring
Previous conventions? None
Goals? ``To do something about the financial deficit and government spending.''
Concerns? ``That the party will make progress on the reforms that we are pursuing and actually accomplish pulling in the reigns on spending.''
JANICE HINDMAN*
Bedford County
Age: 51
Occupation: Church secretary
Previous conventions? None
Goals? To take a strong stand on abortion issues and to nominate candidates with character that children can look up to.
Concerns? That the party will waffle on issues.
BOB GOODLATTE
Roanoke
Age: 43
Occupation: 6th District congressman, lawyer
Previous conventions? Yes
KATHY HAYDEN
Roanoke County
Occupation: Homemaker
Background: Frequent organizer for Republican candidates; worked for Oliver North in 1994; working for Coleman Andrews' campaign for GOP nomination for lieutenant governor in 1997
Previous conventions? Served on platform committee in 1992
BETTY RATLIFF*
Bedford County
Age: 51
Occupation: Retired nurse
Previous conventions? None
Goals? ``I gave up my job in 1972 because I refused to assist in abortions. I would not work on the OB/GYN floor. I want to work for the pro-life plank to remain in the platform.''
Concerns? ``I personally fear the Republican Party might tend to become liberal in order to win an election - that win or lose, the party must uphold its values and ideas.''
MITCHELL RATLIFF
Bedford County
Age: 56
Occupation: Retired, U.S. Navy
Previous conventions? None
Goals? To speak out against gays in the military.
Concerns? Gays in the military.
RALPH SMITH
Roanoke
Occupation: President, steel-fabricating company
Background: Chairman, Roanoke Republican Party
JAMES VASCIK
Roanoke County
Age: 45
Occupation: Neurosurgeon
Previous conventions? None
Goals? To "let the American people know what the majority of Republicans stand for" and to "define the deficiencies and possible illegal aspects of the Clinton presidency.''
Concerns? ``We are too timid in telling the American people what we have achieved in the 104th Congress. Republican conservatives represent the majority American viewpoint. We need to dismantle much of the social legislation of the past 30 years.''
LENGTH: Long : 131 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB