THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 1994 TAG: 9409200414
SECTION: FINAL PAGE: A2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Keith Monroe
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Photo
[Charles Robb]
Candidate: Sen. Charles Robb
Title: Courage and Independence (30 sec.)
When: Starting Monday, Sept. 19
Text: An announcer speaks over video: ``They say the most
important thing to look for in a senator is the courage and
independence to do what's right. . . . And facing the toughest
election of his career, Sen. Chuck Robb put politics aside and
called for tough measures to help reduce the deficit.
``But this is nothing new for Chuck Robb. On issues like
enforcing the death penalty and supporting a woman's right to
choose, he's been out front doing what he believes is right - years
before those positions were popular.
``Sen. Chuck Robb. Sen. Robb working hard for Virginia.''
Video: Robb is shown working and campaigning - in a suit at a
conference table, making a point; coatless on a front doorstep,
addressing a group of neighbors as a flag waves in the breeze;
speaking before a flip chart labeled "deficit reduction;" at a
congressional hearing; chatting with several men in a cinderblock
garage.
What's the message: Robb addresses an issue sure to dog him
throughout the campaign - his vote in favor of President Clinton's
budget package. The ad pointedly refers to the budget as one that
reduces the deficit; Republican opponent Oliver L. North criticizes
the budget for increasing taxes.
The ad must also be seen as an attempt to put a positive spin on
a much criticized remark by Robb. In a debate at Hampden-Sydney
College, he said he'd be willing to take food out of the mouths of
widows and orphans if that's what it took to reduce the deficit.
Finally, the ad suggests that the deficit vote was part of a
pattern, that Robb has a history of doing ``what he believes is
right.'' It attempts to elicit respect for the candidate's courage
and independence, even if voters disagree with his position on the
issues.
Mark Merritt of North's campaign says the true message is:
``Chuck Robb has guts enough to raise your taxes.''
Factual matters: North has tried to portray Robb as a rubber
stamp for Clinton. But on the deficit, at least, Robb has a long
record of favoring budgets that would slow deficit growth. And he
has been willing to consider unpopular spending cuts and tax
increases to achieve that end. It is less clear that favoring the
death penalty and choice has ever been unpopular with a majority of
Virginians.
KEYWORDS: U.S. SENATE CANDIADATE ADVERTISEMENT by CNB