Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 1, 1994 TAG: 9403010016
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: One of Wilder's political opponents, Daniel Alcorn of Vienna, has called that money a "slush fund." Everybody else refers to it as the "inaugural fund."
It is made up of leftover 1989 campaign funds, large gifts from corporations and individuals for his 1990 inauguration festivities and sales of inaugural tickets.
When Wilder left office, the money remained his own, in a political action committee account. Wilder never fully disclosed the names of donors and has said even less about how he intends to use the money.
Campaign laws in 1990 didn't require full disclosure, but a stronger one has been passed because of this fund.
There are limitations on the inaugural fund, however. It could not be used when Wilder ran for president in 1992 because the size of some gifts - $12,500 from savings and loan lobbyists, $7,500 from a law firm and several individual gifts of more than $1,000 - are not permitted under federal election laws.
These same rules apparently would keep Wilder from giving the money to a candidate in this year's Senate race.
Wilder has said the money will not go to his personal use, unless it's for personal political expenses. He's not running for office now, and as far as anyone knows the money's just sitting there. A few small gifts from it went to some candidates for state office.
A possibility: That money could have a big impact if the account's still intact for the 1997 gubernatorial election and one of the candidates is a Wilder protege - or enemy.
Forensics are debatable
Q: I know that most high schools have forensics teams, and I was wondering why this activity has the same name as the criminalinvestigation technique that's also called forensics. J.H., Roanoke
A: Both categories of forensics are tested in public forums.
High-school debates, public speaking and dramatic reading are presented in academic meets judged by educators.
Forensic scientists gather evidence for use in court. Forensic sciences include ballistics, chemistry, pathology and psychiatry. Lawyers argue about the findings, and judges rule on their merit.
Many criminal cases have been proven with forensic evidence such as fingerprints on a weapon, the damage the weapon did, and analysis of hair or bodily fluids left behind by a perpetrator.
The term comes from the Latin "forensis," having to do with the Forum, where matters were argued in the days of the Caesars.
Olympic theme song
Q: What's the music CBS used as a theme for its Winter Olympics coverage? Does it have a name, and has it been recorded? J.L., Roanoke
A: "The Olympic Theme Song" is an original score written by Tamara Kline for the 1994 Winter Games, says CBS Sports. As for recording: not yet.
Got a question about something that may affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB