
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 18, 1991                   TAG: 9102180174
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ALBANY, N.Y.                                LENGTH: Medium

WILDER, CUOMO FUEL CAMPAIGN GUESSES

Gov. Douglas Wilder wasted no time in fueling speculation on the 1992 Democratic presidential ticket as he and Gov. Mario Cuomo of New York spoke Sunday at a dinner hosted by black and Hispanic legislators.

"Looking back as far as the early 19th century, we find that from 1800 to 1824, during three presidential terms, Virginians served as president, with New Yorkers serving as their vice presidents," Wilder said in his keynote speech to the state Legislature's Black and Puerto Rican Caucus.

"Jefferson and Burr, Madison and Clinton, Governor Monroe and Governor Tompkins," said Wilder, listing Virginia presidents and their New York vice presidents.

But Wilder didn't say whether the nation should elect such a team again. "Some have suggested that perhaps it's time to return the favor," he said.

Wilder told reporters Cuomo is "the front runner" for his party's nomination in 1992. And Cuomo told the crowd of the national interest in Wilder.

"I don't wish to embarrass him, but everyone knows that all across this country they are mentioning Douglas Wilder's name as a potential candidate . . . for the presidency, and I wish him well," Cuomo said.

While Cuomo and Wilder have had skirmishes in the past, a top Wilder aide said Friday that relations between the two were "fine."

"He's obviously a person interested in running for the presidency and that's encouraging," Cuomo said of Wilder on Friday. "He's an important national figure and we're pleased to have him here."

"Governor Wilder knows that Governor Cuomo said he has no plans to make plans [to run for president], but Governor Wilder also would acknowledge that Governor Cuomo often heads the list of people that other people think will run," said Wilder spokeswoman Laura Dillard.

Wilder and Cuomo have thrust themselves into the national political spotlight by campaigning for other candidates across the country and frequently commenting on national issues.

Wilder continued to do that Sunday night, speaking about national fiscal problems, attacking the Bush administration for its economic and civil rights record, and highlighting Virginia's fiscal policies.

He said the 1992 candidate should know "that we first must establish a lasting fiscal foundation before we can hope to provide the quality education, health care, and economic opportunities that this and future generations of Americans so richly deserve."

by CNB