THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607120475
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAVID M. POOLE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: 44 lines
Virginia Beach Sen. Ken Stolle's chances of winning the 1997 Republican nomination for attorney general brightened Thursday, after front-runner Richard Cullen of Richmond quit the race.
Cullen's surprise departure also could create a free-for-all in a nomination contest that is still 11 months away.
``Anytime a front-runner drops out there is a vacuum created,'' said Ray Allen, a political consultant to the Cullen campaign. ``There is a distinct possibility of someone jumping into the race. If no one else does, Stolle has a huge opportunity to take it,''
Stolle said he wouldn't discuss Cullen's withdrawal.
Cullen said he decided the grueling nomination fight and election campaign would demand too many sacrifices from his wife and four children.
``It was more than I was willing to pay,'' he said in a telephone interview from his Richmond office.
Cullen had built up a strong base of support among GOP stalwarts - particularly among Richmond's Main Street business community - by the time Stolle began campaigning in March.
After playing catch-up for months, Stolle now must look over his shoulder.
The only other announced candidate is Gilbert Davis, the Fairfax attorney who represents Paula Jones in her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton.
Thursday, GOP officials tossed out several names, including Leesburg Del. William C. Mims and Chesapeake Sen. Mark L. Earley.
Earley, a darling of social conservatives, did not rule out a bid when told of Cullen's departure.
``Can I leave this cold for 24 hours and get back to you?'' he said.
Stolle has made a law-and-order pitch, stressing his background as a police officer and his close ties to Gov. George F. Allen.
Republicans still must decide if they will chose their slate of statewide candidates in June 1997 through a convention or primary. MEMO: Staff writer Robert Little contributed to this story. ILLUSTRATION: Sen. Ken Stolle's chances at the Republican attorney
general nod are brighter with Richard Cullen's departure. by CNB