THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 1996 TAG: 9611060592
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Decision 96
LENGTH: 65 lines
FROM JOHN WARNER, SENATE: Virginians sent John Warner back to Washington largely because he protected defense interests, acted like a statesman in troubled times and practiced independent politics.
THE VOTE: John W. Warner (R), 53%, Mark R. Warner (D), 47% (precincts reporting - 98%)
WHAT IT MEANS: Having bested an opponent who campaigned with $10 million in personal funds, Warner promises to keep it from happening again with campaign law changes. He nestles back into his second-ranking seat on Senate Armed Services, promising nuclear submarine and surface ship construction funds and better veterans benefits. Other priorities: $500-per-child tax credits, a balanced federal budget and a study of the ailing Medicare system.
FROM NEW AMENDMENTS - STATE CONSTITUTION: Voters approved four of five amendments but results were too close to call at press time on changing a provision prohibiting the incorporation of churches.
FROM OWEN PICKETT, U.S. HOUSE, 2ND DISTRICT: soft-spoken and businesslike, Pickett faced yet another challenger who tried to portray him as a big- spending liberal. Voters opted for a conservative Democrat focused on preserving military jobs and trimming the deficit.
THE VOTE: Owen B. Pickett (D), 65%, Jo;hn F. Tate (R), 35% (precincts reporting - 100%).
WHAT IT MEANS: Pickett is a low-key player who likes the details and keeps flashy talk to a minimum. His victory against a sharply conservative newcomer showed that the evolving Christian bloc has not broken through the Democratic base in the 2nd District. Pickett will push for advanced Navy fighters and keep an eye on the region's ports. He is known for constituent service.
FROM ROBERT SCOTT, 3RD DISTRICT: Personable and popular, Scott faced a virtual unknown. Voters in the district said they saw him as someone who would look out for their interests, especially if big cuts threatened social programs.
THE VOTE: Robert C. Scott (D), 82%, Elsie Goodwyn Holland (R), 18% (precincts reporting - 97%)
WHAT IT MEANS: Scott, a Democrat, is liberal on social issues - he believes in an activist federal government - but teams well with his more conservative Hampton Roads colleagues in looking after local shipbuilding and military interests. In his third term, he becomes a senior Democrat on a congressional subcommittee overseeing anti-crime programs.
FROM NORMAN SISISKY, 4TH DISTRICT: Sisisky's 14-year incumbency proved impossible to crack. Voters in the diverse district noted, among other things, his advocacy of the region during years of defense cuts.
THE VOTE: Norman Sisisky (D), 78%, Anthony Zevgolis (R), 22% (precincts reporting - 95%)
WHAT IT MEANS: Ahead are decisions on balancing the budget and keeping Medicare and Social Security solvent. Figure on Sisisky, a Democrat, to oppose financing big tax breaks with deep cuts in those programs and in education. He is well-positioned to look after Hampton Roads' military interests as a senior member of the House of Representatives National Security Committee. And his incumbency is a plus for helping people back home deal with the bureaucracy. ILLUSTRATION: Photos of winning candidates
KEYWORDS: ELECTION VIRGINIA RESULTS\ U.S. SENATE RACE
VIRGINIA CONGRESSIONAL RACE by CNB