Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 28, 1992 TAG: 9201280154
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium
WARNER DELAYS '93 DECISION
U.S. Sen. John Warner said Monday he will wait until early next year to decide whether to run for governor in 1993, a move that could paralyze at least three other Republicans interested in running.In an interview with editors and reporters of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Warner said he is strongly inclined to remain in the Senate but repeatedly declined to remove himself as a possible candidate for the governorship next year.
"I'm not an old bull leaning over the fence looking for greener pastures," Warner said. "As of today, I'm very happy in the Senate. I've got seniority and my whole career in front of me.
"In contrast, I also have responsibilities to my party which will be seeking new leadership next year and to the state," Warner added. "My responsibility is to sit down in a year from now with party elders and assess" the gubernatorial race.
"I do not intend to expand on this subject between now and a year from now," Warner added.
Warner sought the interview to "clear up" rumors and confusion about his intentions. But his comments seemed to heighten growing uncertainty about his plans and the 1993 race for GOP gubernatorial nomination.
"Senator Warner's statements will have a real suppressing effect on any potential Republican candidate's ability to raise money and support," said Del. Clinton Miller, R-Woodstock, one of at least three other potential candidates for the GOP nomination. Also interested in running are U.S. Rep. George Allen, R-Charlottesville, and Earle Williams, a Northern Virginia businessman.
A recent poll indicated that Warner could have the GOP nomination for the asking and is the only Republican candidate who would likely beat the Democratic front-runner - Attorney General Mary Sue Terry.
Keywords:
POLITICS