THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 4, 1995 TAG: 9503040427
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY WARREN FISKE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Although he has yet to declare his candidacy and the election is more than two years away, state Attorney General James S. Gilmore III is laying serious groundwork for a 1997 gubernatorial bid.
The Republican expects to raise about $300,000 for his future campaign at a gala dinner tonight. Presidential hopeful Phil Gramm, a Republican U.S. senator from Texas, is scheduled to be the guest speaker.
About 1,250 GOP activists and corporate sponsors are expected to attend the sold-out dinner at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, paying from $100 to $2,500 apiece for tickets.
``The plans now are that he will run for governor,'' said Dick Leggitt, a consultant for Gilmore. ``He hasn't declared yet but he is on track to do that next year.
``We'll use the money to lay a foundation for the 1997 campaign,'' Leggitt added. ``There are a number of things that need to be done: travel around the state (for Gilmore), polling, computer work and direct mail.''
Gilmore, 46, has been the strong front-runner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination since his impressive 1992 victory in the attorney general's race. To date, no other Republican is posing a challenge.
Gov. George F. Allen, a Republican, also is scheduled to speak at the dinner. State law bars Allen from seeking a second term in 1997.
Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer, the Democratic front-runner for 1997, also has begun organizational activities although he, too, is not expected to formally declare his candidacy until late next year. Beyer has scheduled a number of small fund-raising dinners across the state this spring. ``He's trying to put everything in place to run,'' said spokesman Sam Adams.
Gilmore, a former Henrico County commonwealth's attorney, quietly pushed through a number of initiatives during the recent General Assembly session. They included passage of a proposed constitutional amendment to allow an expanded right of appeal for prosecutors, an increase in the authority of some grand juries and a limit on delays in the appeals of death row cases.
He also secured passage of a bill to increase fines for traffic violations by $3. The proceeds will expand the state's witness protection program.
Gilmore also suffered a few defeats. The legislature rejected bills that would have given the attorney general the authority to prosecute Medicaid fraud and convene grand juries.
Beyer's main accomplishment this winter was helping to craft tough legislation that will cut off aid to welfare recipients after two years and require them to begin working for their benefits within 90 days of receiving their first check. ILLUSTRATION: Virginia Attorney General James S. Gilmore III
KEYWORDS: FUND RAISER GUBERNATORIAL RACE by CNB