THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610270374
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: DECISION '96
As Virginians look forward to the Nov. 5 election, they're thinking a
lot about the qualities they want in their leaders. Virginians attach
roughly equal importance to the candidates' stands on the issues and
the candidates' leadership qualities and characters. We posed
questions about leadership to the candidates for Congress. We'll run
one a day up to Election Day.
LENGTH: 84 lines
Which leaders in this century do you most admire? What qualities do those leaders share? Which leaders do you think poorly of? What qualities made them that way?
SENATE
John W. Warner (R)
I most admire Colin Powell, President Truman, President Eisenhower and Winston Churchill, because they demonstrated universal leadership in times of war and peace.
Mark R. Warner (D)
I most admire Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill. Each man overcame tremendous odds - Gandhi in opposing the British Empire and Churchill in keeping his country together during World War II.
On the other hand, I think poorly of Sen. Joseph McCarthy who, in the 1950s, used fear and innuendo to destroy innocent lives.
2ND DISTRICT
Owen B. Pickett (D)
One of the most striking events in my life was World War II. If you reflect on what was at stake for the world and the impact it has had on us, you have to look at the people who were leaders in that conflict. The combination of Churchill and Roosevelt turned the tide in that momentous event. Churchill and Roosevelt, disciplined and focused. They did not deviate in the need for action. They were persistent in pursuing goals, and they were resolute when they took action. They took it with the idea that failure was not an option.
John F. Tate (R)
Two great leaders stand out in my mind - Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, both of whom had a deep commitment to their principles. We all know the pivotal role that President Reagan played in the revitalization of our national defense and our economy. Mrs. Thatcher did the same for Great Britain.
Conversely, Bill Clinton has undermined our national security and passed the biggest tax hike in history. Today, Clinton is running from his record. But once re-elected, he will again revert to form, squandering our resources on social welfare giveaways and raising taxes and cutting defense to pay for it.
3RD DISTRICT
Elsie Goodwyn Holland (R)
George Allen. He stands for what he believes in, and we need more politicians who do that. And my grandmother, she's an unsung leader. She never got notoriety, but she had such an impact on me, my family and my neighborhood. They have integrity, not like President Clinton who flip-flops with the wind.
Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott (D)
Lyndon Johnson, who was responsible for enactment of many civil rights laws. He supported them because he thought they were right even though he thought they were unpopular at the time. Another leader I admire is Arthur Ashe, who had a quiet, determined dignity in difficult situations. And he used his fame in sports to promote other worthwhile initiatives, particularly, ending apartheid in South Africa. And I think poorly of those who use divisive tactics for personal political gain.
4TH DISTRICT
Norman Sisisky (D)
Theodore Roosevelt. He was independent, he believed people should get a square deal, he had a strong foreign policy, and - the best part - he rebuilt the Navy. That's what I want to do. Hitler is everyone's least-admired leader, because of the tragedy he brought to the world.
Anthony Zevgolis (R)
Ronald Reagan would be one that I most admire. He had the ability to communicate, a way of putting words in a layman's terms. He knew the direction in which he wanted to take the country. He was positive. I've never known him to speak ill of anyone. He exemplified how one should act in office. He had moral leadership. He broke the Soviet Union. I think that will go down in history as one of his greatest achievements. He set a goal to dismantle them, and he did. As a superpower, I think we have an obligation to not only help ourselves but to set an example for others.
KEYWORDS: ELECTION VIRGINIA U.S. SENATE RACE VIRGINIA
CONGRESSIONAL RACE VIRGINIA CANDIDATES ISSUES
INTERVIEW by CNB