ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, September 27, 1996 TAG: 9609270011
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
Many people fault politicians for flip-flopping but also expect them to get results, even if that means changing a position. How would you balance those competing expectations?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We must give our elected officials the opportunity to adapt as circumstances change. I don't believe that type of flexibility should be viewed as a negative. However, when political figures flip-flop solely to win votes or campaign contributions, we should question why they're interested in public office in the first place.''
John Warner (R)
``Virginians know me, and I know Virginia. I don't make campaign promises that I can't or won't keep. I have a clear record of not compromising on matters of principle and integrity. I put my country first, Virginia second, and my political party third. I'm not perfect. I have made mistakes, and I have changed votes to take the correct position.''
People say they want results from leaders, even if that means changing a campaign position. Tell about a time you changed a position on an issue and the reason why.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Ten years ago, I was opposed to offering incentives to new businesses and industries to locate in the commonwealth because I thought it was unfair to companies already in Virginia. However, I came to realize that for Virginia to be competitive in attracting new businesses and industries, incentives such as those permitted under the Governor's Opportunity Fund were necessary.''
George Landrith (R)
``Voters should be alarmed if their congressman campaigns one way and votes another. There may be rare occasions that circumstances change, warranting a change of position. But the voters deserve a congressman who is willing to do what he said he would do and who has the courage to stick to it. Much can be accomplished by the power of principle.''
George "Tex" Wood (VIP)
Did not respond.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Initially, I felt that the NASA space station made sense. However, as I carefully looked at the enormous cost, the budget deficits and the limited mission of the space station, I voted against funding and supported more cost-effective space programs.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``Throughout this campaign, I have stood steadfast on the issues that are the concerns of the people of the 6th District. I believe that I am on the right side of the issues and on the right side of the people.``
Jay Rutledge (L)
``My 'progressive' position on regulatory and tax issues changed when I understood that liberty is the highest moral value and that it is mortally threatened by government social and economic planning.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``My staff and I exercise extraordinary diligence in ascertaining all of the facts concerning any controversial proposal and determining the merits of the arguments pro and con before adopting a position. Given that thorough process, I am pleased to say that during my public service, I have not been in a position where I was required to change a previously announced position.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``A good leader stays loyal to his principles. A decision rooted in one's value system will rarely need correction.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I once believed in reforming the two major parties from within until I realized that the system no longer works. Although I previously was always an independent, I communicated my change of opinion by running for Congress in the Reform Party.''
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB