THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 28, 1994 TAG: 9410280581
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: JACKSONVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said Thursday that no military installations will be exempt from government scrutiny in next year's round of base closures.
Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., in North Carolina to campaign on behalf of 3rd District Congressman Martin Lancaster, described the district as the ``arsenal of Democracy,'' and called Lancaster a ``champion'' of Camp LeJeune, Cherry Point and other military bases in the area.
``Martin plays a tremendous role on the House Armed Services Committee,'' Nunn said. ``He has a tremendous influence on the House side and on the Senate side. He has the respect of the members. He has experience. He also is not bashful about being a champion of Camp LeJeune and other military bases.''
Nunn, without naming names, took a shot at Lancaster's opponent, Republican Walter B. Jones Jr.
``This is a tough political season,'' Nunn said. ``I know that some people are going around saying the thing you want is somebody who doesn't have any experience and no knowledge of what's going on in Washington. I don't know how that kind of rule applies, because you wouldn't want that in any other profession. I do not understand the philosophy of throwing away both influence and power, particularly when you have the kind of stakes you have in this district, in terms of the representation Martin has provided this district.
``I think the last thing you want to do is send somebody to Washington who's going to have to go out and read a script from his staff every time they make a speech. You've got to have independent intelligence, and independent judgment, but somebody with experience. Martin not only has experience in Washington, but he's got experience here in the district.''
Nunn also pointed to Lancaster's endorsements by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Nunn called Lancaster a ``stalwart'' when it comes to national security and said he and Lancaster are united in their belief that the national defense has been cut too drastically.
``I believe the cuts have gone too far,'' he said. ``Congress cut some more this year, against my better judgment and Martin's.
``We are in a position where we are going to have to cut some military bases. We've had a one-third cut in force . . . and a 15-percent cut in infrastructure. We're in a position where we're going to have to cut some bases. If we're going to protect research and development, if we are going to protect procurement, if we're going to protect the military readiness of our forces, we're going to have to make some further very painful cuts in our military bases.''
Nunn said experienced leadership in Congress will be critical with the coming round of base closures.
``Nothing is exempt for review,'' he said. ``But based on the contribution that these bases (in North Carolina) have made and Martin's representation, these bases will get a favorable review.''
Nunn appeared at a news conference at Coastal Carolina Community College in the shadows of Camp LeJeune. He was asked to comment about a remark by Lancaster's opponent that Lancaster's influence on military matters wasn't important because Republican Sen. Lauch Faircloth was all North Carolina needed to protect its military interests. Lancaster is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, while Faircloth is a member of the Senate counterpart.
``I would imagine that he (Faircloth) would tell you it's very helpful to have someone on the House Armed Services Committee,'' Nunn said. ``I do not agree with anyone's assessment that Martin would not be needed. I think he's absolutely indispensable in the House committee, and he also plays a key role in the Conference Committee. He has a very heavy voice with us. I don't agree with that assessment.''
Turning to Haiti, Nunn said he is pleased with the progress the Aristide government has made so far, but said the Clinton administration erred in describing the action as ``restoring democracy.''
``Haiti has not had a democracy,'' he said. ``They've had an election. One election does not make a democracy.''
Nunn said the Haitians have an opportunity for a democratic government but that the establishment of a middle class and a stable judicial and law enforcement structure will be key. He also said he hopes to see U.S. troops home early next year.
Returning to the 1994 elections, Nunn responded to comments made by Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., who has said the GOP could win the House and Senate this year.
``Occasionally Newt is right,'' he said. ``This is one of those times the voters will have to decide.''
With less than two weeks left before the Nov. 8 election, Lancaster said at a press conference with Nunn that he is optimistic.
``This is a district where any Democratic candidate will have a close race,'' he said. ``We're not trying to say that this will be a runaway race. But all of the signs indicate not only that I'm ahead, but that the margin of victory is beginning to open up in a way that is pleasing to me.''
Lancaster was slated to appear later in the day with Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen in New Bern.
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