Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 18, 1993 TAG: 9305180237
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Fielder said Monday she will seek the backing of David Anderson's supporters as she looks ahead to the campaign this fall.
Mayor David Bowers, who remained neutral in the battle for the party's nomination, has offered to help her unite the party.
Bowers stayed out of the battle between Anderson and Fielder because he said he has received support from both in the past.
Most Democratic leaders supported Anderson, but Fielder beat him 345 to 322 at a mass meeting Saturday with strong support from labor unions.
Anderson could not be reached for comment Monday on whether he will back Fielder.
Before Saturday's mass meeting, Bowers said he would support whomever the party nominated. He called Fielder Sunday to tell her that he will support her.
Monday, Bowers said Fielder will bring a new dimension to the campaign because she is a woman.
"I think her candidacy will draw positive comments and add to the Democratic team," Bowers said.
But Fielder must first wait to see if she will have opposition in November.
There are no announced Republican candidates for the commissioner's post, but the filing deadline is still three weeks away.
William Fralin, chairman of a committee that is seeking GOP candidates for commissioner and other constitutional officers, said Monday that he doesn't know whether the Republicans will oppose Fielder or the other Democrats.
"We have some people in mind and we have talked with them, but there are a lot of things to consider," Fralin said.
The other Democrats seeking re-election in November are: Sheriff Alvin Hudson; Treasurer Gordon Peters; and Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell.
Del. Clifton Woodrum, 16th House district, and Del. Vic Thomas, 17th House district, are also seeking new terms.
Fralin said he doubts that the GOP will have candidates for all of the posts, but it may oppose some of the Democratic nominees.
Jerome Howard, a Republican who has been commissioner of revenue for 28 years, is retiring this year.
Fielder's victory at the Saturday mass meeting might cause some potential GOP candidates to re-evaluate their situation, Fralin said.
"This could cause some people to take another look at running," Fralin said.
Bowers believes that Fielder's 13 years of experience in the Roanoke County commissioner of revenue office makes her a strong candidate.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB