THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 6, 1995 TAG: 9501060659
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
Gov. George Allen and his press secretary, Ken Stroupe, have apologized for Stroupe's characterization of Senate Majority Leader Hunter B. Andrews and two other Democratic leaders as ``tax-raising, fat-cat career politicians.''
``It's to end!'' the governor said of the mudslinging with Democrats over his $403 million in cuts to the state budget.
``I apologize for our administration,'' Allen said Thursday while praising Andrews for his three decades of public service. Stroupe did not intend to insult Andrews or the other two Democratic chairmen of the General Assembly's money committees, Allen indicated.
He did not criticize Stroupe and attributed his comments to what he characterized as ``all of this rambunctiousness'' over the holiday season.
``Sometimes the bump and run of political banter'' is interpreted as an insult or affront by one of the antagonists, he said.
Andrews said he appreciated Allen's apology. Earlier this week Andrews had asked Stroupe for an apology but received a response he regarded as equally offensive.
``It's a very gracious thing for him (Allen) to do,'' Andrews said.
Earlier Thursday, Stroupe sent a letter of apology to Andrews: ``Please accept my sincere apologies for my recent comments that were interpreted to be personal in nature. Please know this was never intended. The dialog began, I thought, as lighthearted and jovial political sparring.''
Stroupe's attack on Andrews and Dels. Robert B. Ball Sr. of Henrico and C. Richard Cranwell of Roanoke County surprised many Democrats and Republicans. Ironically, Andrews has worked with governors of both parties for years to achieve a balanced budget.
Stroupe made the remarks about the three Democrats last month in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He was responding to their letter to Allen in which they sought long-range revenue information and the budget cuts the governor planned to make.
``These are the types of games tax-raising, fat-cat career politicians are willing to play in an attempt to guard pet projects and protect their own special interests,'' Stroupe told the newspaper.
As for the Democrats' request for the information, Allen said only that he will respond to them later. by CNB