ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 1997 TAG: 9702180083
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER
Bob Viar has finished his interviews with the General Assembly committees that review judicial candidates.
Viar, fresh from a trip to Richmond, said in a telephone interview Monday that the interviews went well.
Viar is the sole candidate for Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge J. Patrick Graybeal's seat, which will come open April 30 when Graybeal retires.
Five other candidates sought the endorsements of the 27th Judicial District's bar associations, but Viar was the clear pick gaining the endorsements of all but the smallest association, which endorsed Blacksburg lawyer Harriet Dorsey.
Viar said he interviewed with the House of Delegates' Courts of Justice Committee on Thursday and the Senate's counterpart on Monday.
"The Senate asked for more background information [like] experience in the courtroom, [and] why I wanted the position," Viar said. "The House was more specific."
The House committee, according to Viar, asked questions such as what information he would want as a judge if the General Assembly passed an abortion bill requiring underage girls to notify their parents before they have an abortion. The bill could possibly have a judicial override clause allowing pregnant girls to notify a judge, in lieu of their parents, that they were having an abortion.
Each interview took about 10 minutes, Viar said.
"The one thing I learned is that they are able to do a whole lot real fast when they have to," he said.
Viar said he does not know when or how he would be notified if the General Assembly votes him in as Graybeal's replacement. The last day of this year's session is Saturday.
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Viarby CNB