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

DATE: FRIDAY, November 26, 1993                   TAG: 9311260088
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ROBB TELLS PARTY HE'S HERE TO STAY

U.S. Sen. Charles Robb has told Virginia Democratic Party leaders that he will deal with his image problem during his re-election bid.

At a dinner this week at the senator's McLean home, Robb told six members of the state party's 32-member steering committee who were present that he is in the 1994 race to stay, several newspapers reported Wednesday.

Robb, through his press secretary, refused to comment on Tuesday's meeting.

"It was a private dinner meeting and discussion with Democratic activists and leaders that he plans to continue around the state," said Susan Platt, Robb's campaign manager.

Those involved in the discussion said their confidence had waned because of lingering voter concerns over his past personal behavior and continuing feud with Gov. Douglas Wilder, who has said he will run against Robb.

No one asked Robb to bow out of the race, but several people who have supported Robb strongly in past races said they were neutral, some participants said.

"As the evening went on, the conversation became more direct and franker," said Kenneth Geroe of Virginia Beach, the party's vice chairman for finance.

The participants said Robb, instead of listening most of the time, did plenty of talking.

"There was a full and frank exchange of views," said George Gilliam, 7th District chairman.

by CNB