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

DATE: MONDAY, March 14, 1994                   TAG: 9403140045
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ABINGDON                                LENGTH: Medium

ROBB MAKES IT OFFICIAL

U.S. Sen. Charles Robb officially launched his bid for a second term Sunday, three days after trying to put to rest allegations involving extramarital activities and drug parties that have dogged him for seven years.

"I'm running for re-election to fight for Virginia's future," Robb, accompanied by his wife, Lynda, told about 130 Democrats in a Washington County courtroom. "I believe in the next six years I can make a critical difference at a critical time."

Robb, who said he wants his campaign to reach the large number of new voters in the state, spent as much time talking about his accomplishments as governor of Virginia in 1982-86 as he did talking about his achievements in Congress. Robb plans similar announcements today in Roanoke, Norfolk, Richmond and Arlington.

But he made no mention of his letter mailed to Democratic activists Thursday that defended his character while discussing the allegations.

"I thought it was necessary to respond to some concerns," Robb said of his letter. Robb, 54, would not elaborate, but he said the response from Democrats who have read the letter has been positive.

In his letter, Robb admitted, "I let my guard down" while attending parties in Virginia Beach when he was governor. He adamantly denied that he had witnessed illegal drug use at the parties.

But he wrote that he was "clearly vulnerable on the question of socializing under circumstances not appropriate to a married man - and I have never denied it."

A series of memos prepared by former staff members then laid out in detail allegations of liaisons between Robb and women 20 years his junior.

Robb, whose wife is the daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson, asked fellow Democrats in the letter to forgive him - noting his wife had.

Asked after his speech about his negative publicity in recent years, Robb said, "I think it's fair to say I've had difficulty getting a substantive message through the fog."

Political analysts said the letter was a pre-emptive measure aimed at keeping Robb's past problems out of the upcoming campaign. And Robb said his letter would be his last word on the scandals.

Lynda Robb also deflected a question Sunday about the controversies, saying, "I think Chuck said everything in the letter."

Robb, who faces two little-known challengers in the June 14 primary, declined to talk about his possible opponents in the general election. Iran-Contra figure Oliver North and Reagan budget official Jim Miller are vying for the GOP nomination, which will be decided at a June 4 convention.

Robb said, "I have the backing of the majority of Democratic officials, but I'm not taking anything for granted."

Robb's campaign slogan is "a lifetime of hard work and dedication" and his speech trumpeted his conservative stands on money matters, defense and crime. He also noted his support of abortion rights.

Robb asked for support from "people who want someone whose voice will be heard when it's important to speak, someone who's respected on both sides of the aisle where substance matters."

Keywords:
POLITICS

by CNB