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

DATE: TUESDAY, December 7, 1993                   TAG: 9312300036
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VIRGINIA GOP

SEVERAL REPUBLICANS - Pat McSweeney among them - took umbrage two years ago when an editorial in this newspaper, headlined "Them vs. Them," suggested that there are in effect two Republican parties in Virginia: one composed of those with experience in winning elections, another made up by those who control the party apparatus.

"The latter," the editorial said, "often seem more intent on internal strife and fanciful ideology than on making election strides."

Since then, the state GOP has made considerable election strides. It is now within reach of attaining majorities in both houses of the state legislature. It has elected its first governor, George Allen, and first attorney general, Jim Gilmore, in 12 years.

Yet the apparatus acolytes are still intent on promoting internal strife.

There's no other explanation for McSweeney's dogged determination to defy:

Allen's request that he step aside as party chairman.

A petition signed by almost all Republican members of the legislature urging him to step aside.

A 48-25 vote by the party's central committee asking him to step aside (albeit, seven votes short of the 75 percent needed to force his resignation).

How many ways does this guy have to be told that his services are no longer needed?

The governor-elect, charging that McSweeney didn't give him much support during his campaign, says he simply wants a chairman he can trust. But the merits of Allen's charge aren't the issue. He's the indisputable head of the state party now, and he gets to name a confidant to the party post if he wants to. By long tradition, Virginia's Democratic governors have done this. So, too, do presidents pick their national party's chairman.

Some of McSweeney's supporters say the dispute goes deeper. They suggest it's a struggle for the heart and soul of the party, with Allen attempting to purge right-wing conservatives from the inner circles and set the party on a more moderate course. But, again, if that's the case, it is the governor-elect's privilege to try as best he can to set the tone for the party for the next four years.

To the general public, this all may seem like inside baseball and of no moment. But the responsibility for guiding not just the state GOP but the entire state government will soon be Allen's. The squabble with McSweeney is an unnecessary distraction for the governor-elect, and one that conceivably could undermine his ability to lead.

The public, moreover, is likely to benefit from greater influence - within both political parties - of elected officials who are tempered by the moderating influences of winning electoral majorities.

The state GOP pushed this year's candidates as agents of change prepared to leave behind the internal bickering that has characterized the Democratic ruling party's governance. Republicans are embarrassed with good cause by this latest episode of "them vs. them" bickering within their own ranks.

Perhaps, if they can't get along, one of "them" ought to start a new party. At the very least McSweeney - though well beyond a graceful exit - should leave now to avoid further embarrassment.

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB