ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, September 24, 1996 TAG: 9609240016
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
Many people believe that building consensus is a critical skill for a legislator.
Describe a time when you help built consensus.
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``The Virginia Health Care Foundation, which I helped create, was (and is) a bi-partisan effort. When I served on the Commonwealth Transportation Board, I helped forge a consensus on the difficult issue of high-occupancy vehicles in the Dulles Corridor. Finally, in my business, I have to work to reach consensus every day.''
John Warner (R)
``Worked as a floor leader to build consensus in 1991 which ultimately authorized President Bush to use American armed forces in the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm. I waged the long battle to gain equity in cost of living adjustments for federal and military retirees.'' Originally a long shot, ``I was successful in building the consensus'' to win approval.
Describe a time when you went out of your way to seek out someone who disagreed with you and tell us about the conversation.
5th DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``In January of this year many of the members of my own party disagreed with my position about the need for bipartisanship in the Senate committee structure. After talking and listening to many in the Senate, we were able to work out a solution that was passed unanimously.''
George Landrith
(R)
``Working with others requires a lot of listening. I spoke with a man who did not like my smaller government views and said that there was no sense talking because we wouldn't agree. However, I asked him about his views and concerns. After a lot of listening and some discussion, we determined that we agreed on many things.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
Did not respond.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``In getting my bill signed into law creating the 'Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area' in the George Washington National Forest. I had to reach out to groups with widely differing views: environmentalists and forest products businesses. Both sides supported my legislation.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``There was a disagreement about a new policy being made at an organization where I serve on the board of directors. The new policy would reduce benefits for current full-time employees. I felt the policy was unnecessary and unfair.'' Board voted ``to maintain benefits for current employees, but new employees would have to be hired under a new policy.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``I meet people who disagree with me every day. They all have good reasons for their positions. If you can get to the point of discussing 'what,' 'how,' 'when,' and 'where,' you often find more agreement than initial impressions would suggest was possible.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Cable television companies today enjoy an exemption from copyright liability when they retransmit local television broadcasts over their cable systems.'' Wants to extend exemption to phone companies. One key cable executive opposed. ``I contacted him and made the argument, which he found persuasive, that his company would also benefit from my proposal.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``My opponent and I disagree on numerous issues. For example, my opponent does not believe, as I do, that it is his civic duty as a candidate for public office to debate me on issues concerning the 9th District. I continue to seek my opponent's agreement to debate me and hope he will stop running from his voting record.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I am currently attempting to build a consensus among a majority of the voters of the 9th District on what the real problems are and how we should fix them. The dialogue usually starts with 'we are trying to take the money out of politics'''
LENGTH: Medium: 91 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB