THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, January 30, 1996              TAG: 9601300325
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: RALEIGH                            LENGTH: Short :   28 lines

HELMS VISITS RALEIGH TO FILE FOR RE-ELECTION

U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., filed for re-election Monday, saying the country has a chance to reduce federal government.

``We have a unique opportunity in the coming years to reduce the size and scope of federal government and to reduce the government regulation that's strangling many businesses,'' he said.

He said he has been effective in fighting for North Carolina's traditional industries, such as textiles, furniture, tobacco and other agricultural products.

Helms filed at the State Board of Elections, paying the $1,336 filing fee.

Two Democrats are expected to run in the primary for the right to challenge Helms. One is former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, who lost to Helms in 1990. The other is former Glaxo chief executive Charles Sanders.

KEYWORDS: CANDIDATE SENATE RACE by CNB