ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 9, 1995 TAG: 9512100011
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
In a little more than a year, Rocky Mount lawyer Mary Harkins went from treasurer of the Franklin County Republican Women's Club to chairwoman of the county's Democratic Party.
It's certainly not the typical way to climb the political ladder, but Harkins isn't cut out of the regular Franklin County political mold.
Many key figures in the party are county natives whose family roots run deep in and around Rocky Mount. Harkins, who was elected chairwoman this week, is a relative newcomer to Franklin County.
She's been practicing law here for just 18 months. She lived and worked in Roanoke before she moved to Franklin County with her husband in 1992.
Harkins said she hoped a fresh face would help the party draw new members.
"I think the party wanted someone to step up and take charge," she said, "and I felt like it was the place I wanted to be."
Harkins said she became disenchanted with the Republican Party when Oliver North beat Jim Miller for the U.S. Senate nomination last year. She also says she believes the state Republican Party has moved too far to the right, and she's annoyed by many of Gov. George Allen's initiatives.
Harkins replaces fellow lawyer Eric Ferguson, who served as Democratic Party chairman for seven years.
Ferguson said he decided to step down because his law work has increased and his wife is expecting a child soon.
"I think Mary will do a fine job," he said. "Maybe some new blood will do some good."
One of Harkins' first tasks could be an important one: keeping the party solidified behind one candidate for next year's Circuit Court clerk election.
There is speculation that Deputy Clerk Alice Hall and sheriff's Capt. Bill Overton both may seek the party's nomination, setting up a primary runoff early next year.
Hall has worked in the clerk's office for 42 years. Overton is the son of Sheriff W.Q. "Quint" Overton, one of the most popular public figures in the county.
Bill Overton said this week that barring any unforeseen circumstance, he plans to ask for the Democratic nomination.
Hall has not disclosed her intentions.
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB