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

DATE: Sunday, August 21, 1994                TAG: 9408210099
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY KAREN E. QUINONES MILLER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                     LENGTH: Short :   49 lines

BLACK MINISTERS ENDORSE ROBB IN SENATE CAMPAIGN THE GROUP ALSO BACKED ROBB IN HIS EARLIER CAMPAIGN.

African-American ministers led by Bishop L.E. Willis Sr. on Saturday endorsed Sen. Charles S. Robb for re-election.

The Third Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, which comprises about 61 churches from Norfolk to Roanoke, endorsed Robb at the jurisdiction's annual banquet.

``Tomorrow there will be (parishioners) with us, and we will be encouraging them to work for you,'' Willis said in announcing the endorsement.

Before the banquet, Willis said Robb ``has an excellent track record when it comes to minorities. He was a good governor and a good senator.''

Willis, who presides over the third jurisdiction, said his organization backed Robb in his previous senatorial campaign as well.

He also backed former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder in his 1989 gubernatorial bid, but made no apologies for not endorsing Wilder this year.

``I would like to make clear, this is not an anti-Wilder movement,'' said Willis. ``This is a pro-Chuck Robb movement.''

The Wilder campaign responded sharply Saturday night.

``It doesn't surprise me, given the close relationship and similarity in record and reputation that exists between Willis and Robb,'' said Wilder spokesman Glenn Davidson. ``Certainly Governor Wilder does have a strong base of support among the African-American religious and lay community.''

Willis made the decision to endorse Robb, some of the pastors said. Willis' recommendation to the pastors is traditionally approved.

``I would have supported Robb anyway,'' said James P. Tharrington Sr., pastor of the Light of the World Church of God in Christ in Norfolk. ``Overwhelmingly and without a doubt.''

``I'm very, very grateful,'' Robb said in accepting the endorsement. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

IAN MARTIN/Staff

The Third Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, led by Bishop

L.E. Willis Sr., right, endorsed U.S. Sen. Charles Robb, pictured

with his wife, Lynda Bird, for re-election at a banquet Saturday.

KEYWORDS: U.S. SENATE RACE VIRGINIA CANDIDATES

ENDORSEMENTS by CNB