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

DATE: Thursday, October 13, 1994             TAG: 9410130502
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   46 lines

TWO GROUPS ENDORSE LANCASTER IN BID FOR RE-ELECTION TO CONGRESS

U.S. Rep. Martin Lancaster has gained the support of a veterans group as well as a business organization in his drive to win re-election to Congress from North Carolina's 3rd District.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee and the National Federation of Independent Business have endorsed Lancaster in his race against Republican challenger Walter B. Jones Jr.

The NFIB, the nation's largest small business advocacy group, called Lancaster a ``consistent'' friend of small business. The organization praised Lancaster's efforts in fighting against employer mandates in any health care reform proposal.

The NFIB represents more than 600,000 small and independent business owners in the United State, including 14,000 in North Carolina. According to the NFIB, it has more than 6 million members.

The VFWPAC's endorsement came largely because of Lancaster's efforts to fight base closures, and against cuts in veterans' benefits.

``The purpose of the VFWPAC is to support congressional candidates who support veterans' and national security issues of concern to the Veterans of Foreign Wars,'' said Norman G. Staab, chairman of the VFWPAC Board of Directors. ``Martin Lancaster's record and support for veterans' issues and strong national defense shows that he is truly deserving of this endorsement.''

Only two North Carolina congressmen garnered the VFW endorsement, Lancaster and Republican Charlie Taylor of the 11th District in western North Carolina. Lancaster's score of 77 was tied with Taylor as the highest in the North Carolina delegation. The score was higher than such big names as Republican Minority Whip Newt Gingrich, who scored a 69. ILLUSTRATION: U.S. Rep. Martin Lancaster, left, and Walter B. Jones Jr. are

foes in the 3rd District. Lancaster has gained the support of a

veterans group and a business organization.

KEYWORDS: ENDORSEMENT CONGRESSIONAL RACE by CNB