
DATE: Thursday, March 13, 1997              TAG: 9703130352

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B6   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY IDA KAY JORDAN, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH                        LENGTH:   50 lines

DEMOCRATS TO CAUCUS FOR OPEN ASSEMBLY SEAT

The Portsmouth Democratic Committee has opted for a May 31 caucus to choose a candidate for the House seat vacated by Del. William S. Moore Jr., who was appointed as a judge of Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court here.

The caucus is tentatively set to begin at 10 a.m. at Churchland High School, said Dorothy Dray, chairman of the 79th District Democratic Nominating Committee.

Dray said she and party representatives from Suffolk and Chesapeake chose a caucus instead of a primary, which had been requested by some potential candidates.

At least three Portsmouth Democrats are interested in the seat, which encompasses a large part of Portsmouth plus several precincts in Suffolk and Chesapeake.

Portsmouth Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons and former state Sen. Johnny S. Joannou have announced formally that they are seeking the seat. Party chairman Robert C. Barclay IV has not made an announcement but has continued to say, ``I'm interested but I haven't decided.''

Republican Dan Evans, a local businessman who got 37 percent of the vote when he challenged Moore for the seat in 1995, said Wednesday that there is ``a good possibility'' he will run again for the seat.

Both the Democratic and Republican committees notified the State Elections Office on Wednesday of their intentions to choose candidates by caucus rather than hold primary elections.

The Republicans haven't chosen the time or place for their caucus, Evans said.

Dray said Democratic candidates must file and pay a $1,500 fee by 5 p.m. March 31. She said the information should be mailed to her at 1 Warwick St., Portsmouth, Va. 23707.

All registered voters can participate in a caucus ballot.

Each person will be required to sign a Democratic loyalty oath, Dray said. ILLUSTRATION: [Photos]

Portsmouth Vice Mayor Johnny M. Clemons, left, and former state Sen.

Johnny S. Joannou have announced formally that they are seeking the

seat vacated by Del. William S. Moore Jr.

TO PARTICIPATE

All registered voters can participate in a caucus ballot.

Each person will be required to sign a Democratic loyalty oath. KEYWORDS: CANDIDATE HOUSE OF DELEGATES RACE