THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 6, 1995 TAG: 9505060331
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
The Virginia Republican Party's first rally to attract more black members Friday attracted only about three dozen people - most of them white.
Jeff Brown, hired recently by the GOP to recruit blacks, insisted he was not disappointed by the turnout.
``The biggest thing we wanted to do is get some dialogue started,'' Brown said. He predicted that future events designed to lure blacks will draw more people.
The party sent out about 6,000 invitations. Brown had said he would consider a crowd of 200 a success because the rally was scheduled for a time when most people are working: 10 a.m. Friday.
The gathering looked especially small in the cavernous Arthur Ashe Center, which can hold thousands of people. Most in attendance were party regulars.
Democratic leaders looked upon the GOP effort with contempt.
``We do not need cheap gimmicks that disguise attempts to slash education, job development and community improvement efforts that open the doors of opportunity for all Virginians,'' Richmond-area members of the Legislative Black Caucus said in a news release.
State Secretary of Health and Human Resources Kay Coles James told the gathering that the Republican message of smaller government, tougher law enforcement and more personal responsibility resonates with many blacks.
``So why isn't this room filled? It has something to do with the perception of who we are as Republicans, and a little to do with the reality of who we are as well,'' said James, the only black member of Republican Gov. George Allen's Cabinet. by CNB