ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601290045
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press RICHMOND
The lawyer representing Paula Jones in her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton said Saturday he intends to run for Virginia attorney general.
Gilbert Davis, 53, of Fairfax said his decision to run for the Republican nomination was motivated, in part, by experiences from his battle against the White House. Jones has sued President Clinton, claiming he sexually harassed her in 1991.
``I've seen public officials unaccountable because they think they've become too high for the rest of us,'' Davis told The Associated Press while attending the Republican Advance. ``It's my view that everyone, no matter how rich or poor or powerful or weak or whatever position they have in society, is equal before our courts.''
The incumbent, Jim Gilmore, is expected to get the GOP nomination for governor next year.
Davis said he had spoken only briefly with the state's Republican leadership about his intentions, and said they reacted positively.
``I don't think anybody is perceived as being out in front,'' he said.
Others expected to run for the GOP nomination include state Sen. Kenneth Stolle of Virginia Beach and former U.S. Attorney Richard Cullen.
Davis said a series of motions filed by lawyers for the president aimed at depriving Jones access to evidence was indicative of the behavior that has jaded some citizens in their attitudes toward politics.
He said a recent ruling by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Mo., which said Jones' case against Clinton can go forward, confirmed his belief that all citizens have the same legal rights.
Davis is a former federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia and is president of Transnational Corp. of Fairfax, a paralegal service.
``Public service is, I think, a high calling,'' he said. ``My own view is, except for preachers of various faiths, it certainly is the highest secular calling that someone can seek.''
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICSby CNB