
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 11, 1994                    TAG: 9406110360 
SECTION: LOCAL                     PAGE: D3    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: 940611                                 LENGTH: RICHMOND

ROBB COURTS BLACKS, LOSES SUPPORT OF FORMER FUND-RAISER

{LEAD} Democratic Sen. Charles S. Robb campaigned for the black vote Friday while his primary challenger, Virgil H. Goode Jr., got the backing of a former fund-raiser for Robb.

Lain O'Ferrall, a Richmond businessman who raised money for Robb's previous campaigns, said he decided to support Goode in Tuesday's primary after Oliver North won the Republican nomination last week.

{REST} ``His closet is clean,'' O'Ferrall said of Goode, a Franklin County state senator for 20 years.

``There's an awful lot been said about Chuck,'' he said, referring to the incumbent's admitted marital indiscretions and reported socializing with drug users. ``That is going to come back to haunt Chuck Robb.''

O'Ferrall also said former Democratic Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is unlikely to get into the race if Goode defeats Robb.

But O'Ferrall said he probably would support Robb if he wins the primary. ``Anybody but Ollie is my feeling,'' he said at a news conference with Goode.

Robb spoke at a black ministers' conference in Hampton and delivered a get-out-the-vote message during an interview at a black gospel radio station in Richmond.

Robb praised the ministers for inspiring their followers by example - feeding the hungry, serving the poor and lifting the poor in spirit.

He said they ``possess the moral courage to defend family values. . . . I understand the importance of family. In my most difficult times my family has been a source of strength.''

Robb had not heard about O'Ferrall's defection, but said he expected all Democrats' support once he wins the nomination.

``I have no reason to believe there will be any holding back once we get ready for the general election,'' he said. Most Democratic interest groups and elected officials ``are very much on board'' his campaign, he said.

Goode held news conferences in Arlington and Richmond to hammer his message that North wants to oppose Robb in the general election.

{KEYWORDS} U.S. SENATE RACE CAMPAIGN by CNB