THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 7, 1996 TAG: 9609070431
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision 96
LENGTH: 47 lines
FROM: Staff Writer David M. Poole
RE: Technology, prosperity in Virginia and the U.S. Senate candidates
For Sen. John Warner, emerging technologies make up a healthy segment of the American economy. For Mark Warner, high tech cuts across all segments of the economy, driving change that might be as revolutionary as the 19th century shift from an agrarian to an industrial economy.
Witness the way the two Senate candidates describe technology's impact.
John Warner: ``The high-tech business is taking care of itself pretty well right now. Pick up The Washington Post. I just challenge you to open the Sunday classifieds for `Help Wanted.' ''
Mark Warner: ``Anyone who serves in the U.S. Senate in the 21st century has to understand we are going through revolutionary change. We have to be careful no one is left behind.''
The differences are important. Nearly one in three people in a statewide study this summer identified the direction of the economy among their top two concerns. They're worried about their job security and standard of living. More than 70 percent said they are looking for leaders who understand the changing economy and the role of new technologies.
Democrat Mark Warner, 41, says we are witnessing a technological revolution that will reshape the economy in fundamental ways. His views are based on his success brokering deals in an industry - cellular telephones - that did not exist 15 years ago. His idea: Virginia needs a senator who understands how the federal government must respond to the dawning Information Age.
Republican John Warner, 69, grows testy at his opponent's suggestion that he is out of touch with today's fast-changing economy. The high-tech job category is healthy, he says. Virginia's economy remains based on agriculture and manufacturing and he's concentrating on protecting and strengthening those segments.
``Look, I started in the high-tech world before he did. Save me the lectures, Mark,'' John Warner said.
The Republican got his lessons in technology as a Navy equipment technician during World War II. John Warner said he has kept up with technology during his stint as navy secretary in the 1970s and, more recently, working with Hampton Roads defense contracts.
``I'm saying to Mark Warner in a nice way, `Don't teach me how to suck eggs. I've been there.' '' MEMO: Look for more memos through Election Day, Nov. 5. by CNB