DATE: Wednesday, November 5, 1997           TAG: 9711050805

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A3C  EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY ERIKA REIF, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS                      LENGTH:   48 lines

DIAMONSTEIN SURVIVES CHALLENGE ON PENINSULA

Del. Alan Diamonstein successfully fought off a second fierce attack by Republican challenger Allen Face in an election that widened the incumbent's margin of victory since they faced off two years ago.

The 94th District race pitted Face's street-corner campaign style against the 30-year incumbent's clout, and the upstart's staunch Republican philosophies against Diamonstein's legislative seniority and power.

In his campaign headquarters, Face, 49, spoke to a roomful of supporters, saying, ``I congratulate my opponent on his clever use of $400,000,'' and adding that he would likely run again.

Diamonstein amassed almost $450,000, dwarfing the nearly $80,000 that Face received, according to Tuesday's figures from the Newport News registrar.

Diamonstein's supporters celebrated at Steve's Steak House. ``I said during the campaign that education has to come first - and my district said education has to come first,'' he said.

Asked if he would continue to run for office, Diamonstein, 66, said, ``As long as the people want me to serve, I'll consider doing it.''

Melvin White, a Newport News resident from the Hilton precinct who voted for Diamonstein because of his experience, said, ``He knows all the angles, good and bad.''

White's wife, Marjorie, echoed the opinion of many Diamonstein supporters. ``I'm really a Republican,'' she said. ``I vote for Democrats when I think they're better qualified.''

Diamonstein's influence has helped increase funding at Christopher Newport University, initiate reading and alternative education programs in public schools and support other local projects.

Many older voters are loyal to Diamonstein, born and raised in Newport News, and fondly continue to ``think of Alan as a little boy delivering newspapers,'' said voter E.L. Johnson. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Diamonstein

Graphics

DIAMONSTEIN 55% FACE 45%

DIAMONSTEIN'S PRIORITIES

[For complete graphic, please see microfilm] KEYWORDS: ELECTION VIRGINIA RESULTS HOUSE OF

DELEGATES RACE VIRGINIA

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