ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9601020171
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS
SOURCE: Associated Press
When Rep. Herbert Bateman said last year that he would not seek an eighth term, he wasn't counting on a Republican takeover that would give him considerably more influence in Congress.
Bateman cited his increased clout Friday in announcing that he has changed his mind and will run for re-election next year.
``My experience and seniority are needed in Washington as the Republican majority works to get our fiscal house in order and fights to change the direction of the federal government,'' said Bateman, R-Newport News.
Bateman said that after Republicans took control of Congress in the November 1994 elections, supporters began asking him to reconsider his decision to retire.
``I would be letting down my constituents if I were to retire at the end of this term,'' he said. ``We're facing an agenda of great importance to the 1st District that will go beyond what is resolved in this Congress.''
Democrats plan to recruit a strong candidate to oppose Bateman, said 1st District Democratic Chairman John McGlennon.
``I expect we would raise the issue not only of the retirement promise that he's broken, but also the promises he's kept in supporting the right-wing Republican agenda in the House this year,'' McGlennon said.
Bateman is best known for his advocacy of maritime interests and the shipbuilding industry, particularly Newport News Shipbuilding, the largest private employer in Virginia.
He played a critical role last month in engineering a compromise that will keep Newport News Shipbuilding in the submarine-building business until 2002. The Clinton administration and the Pentagon wanted to give all the contracts to the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Conn.
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Rep. Herbert Bateman/Has "experience, seniority" KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB