ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 13, 1996 TAG: 9610140079
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: Associated Press
Desperate Democrats often turn to black voters, but once the election is over, black ballots aren't remembered, said former Gov. Douglas Wilder.
``We've always got to be the cavalry, coming to the rescue,'' Wilder said of black voters. ``But when that rescue effort is successful, we don't get the credit. And when it isn't, we are responsible.''
Wilder spoke Friday at the Dominion 2000 Conference, a gathering of black political, religious and civic leaders at Richmond's Moore Street Baptist Church. The conference's aim was to rally black voters.
Wilder also targeted U.S. Sen. Charles Robb, D-Va., and the chunk of traditional Democrats who polls indicate prefer Republican Sen. John Warner to Democratic challenger Mark Warner.
Wilder accused Robb of lying low in the Senate campaign because of his friendship with John Warner. Robb received heavy black voter support two years ago in holding off GOP challenger Oliver North.
Robb's press secretary denied the charge.
``Senator Robb has campaigned enthusiastically for Mark Warner throughout the state of Virginia and will continue to do so until Election Day,'' Karen Gravois said. ``He has said on a number of occasions he looks forward to working with Mark Warner in the United States Senate.''
Wilder warned that if the electorate does not rally behind Mark Warner, it will not bode well for Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, a Democrat, in his run for governor next year.
He added that President Clinton needs to spend time and money campaigning in Virginia. A recent Virginia Commonwealth University poll showed Clinton with a 7-point lead over Republican Bob Dole.
``If I were Mark Warner, I'd wrap myself all around Clinton,'' Wilder said.
Only about 30 of the 200 people invited to the conference showed up. The Warners, Beyer and Attorney General Jim Gilmore were invited. Only Mark Warner came - after the conference ended.
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB