ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 28, 1996 TAG: 9610280053
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: VIRGINIA JOURNAL
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITER
Financial disclosure reports filed last week by Virginia's two Senate candidates showed more of the same: Democrat Mark Warner continues largely to finance his own campaign, while the Republican incumbent remains heavily dependent on political action committees.
Mark Warner, a cellular telephone tycoon, put another $1.55 million of his vast personal fortune into his campaign during the first 16 days of October and raised $77,000 from public contributions, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.
John Warner raised $248,000 in that period. Almost half - $120,000 - came from political action committees. Nationwide, only three senators seeking re-election have accepted more special interest money.
Soccer moms and the status quo
After a few rough runs on the airwaves, the two Warners are turning squishy in the closing television commercials of their campaigns.
John Warner is talking jobs. He's airing a spot in which several blue-collar guys thank him for steering federal contracts to shipyards. "A lot of people talk about jobs, but Senator John Warner does something about jobs," says one.
Another ad is geared to the so-called "soccer moms," suburban women wanted at the polls by Democrats and Republicans both. The spot has a mom praising Warner's leadership to her children and a minivan in the background.
Mark Warner appeals for votes in two commercials that show him surrounded by his family. He talks to the camera: "The world is changing very rapidly, and I want to be sure that our children are prepared for the 21st century, that no part of Virginia is left behind. If you're satisfied with the status quo, I'm not your candidate. But if you believe we need new ideas and energy in Washington, then I need your help and ask for your vote."
Democrats for John Warner
Trying to show that Main Street is on his side, John Warner released a list of business leaders - many of them Democrats - who are supporting him. Among the conservative Democrats on the list: Ronald Dozoretz, a former vice chairman of the state party; retired Adm. Elmo Zumwalt Jr., Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 1976; and Laurie Naismith, secretary of the commonwealth under former Gov. Charles Robb.
Tune in Tuesday
WVTF-FM will broadcast a debate with the three 5th District congressional candidates Tuesday at 7p.m. The broadcast, featuring Democrat Virgil Goode, Republican George Landrith, and Tex Wood of the Virginia Independent/Reform Party, will originate from Charlottesville.
WVTF can be heard at 89.1 FM.
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB