THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 25, 1996 TAG: 9604250010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
I find Bob Locke's view of Sen. John Warner (letter, April 14) very strange. He shows himself to be a ``Republican come lately.''
As a Dick Obenshain supporter at the '76 convention when John Warner first ran, I have come to realize that Virginia can take sincere pride in its senior senator. In this time of narrow partisan politics with little regard for the real overall good of the nation, it is indeed refreshing and reassuring to know a Virginian who sticks up for the principles he believes right and just.
Unfortunately, the single-issue followers of Mike Farris chose to blame Senator Warner for Farris' defeat rather than recognize the simple fact that they could pack mass meetings and conventions with their people but they did not reflect the position of the coalition of moderate Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats who can and do win Virginia elections.
These followers of Ralph Reed and Pat Robertson have taken over one local unit after another, packing each unit with people who have no long-term Republican ties. In 25 years of work for the Republican Party in Portsmouth, I have never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Locke, so I surmise he is new to the party.
I remember vividly Jim Miller's contempt for Ollie North's reputation; therefore, I find it very sad that he can exhibit such insincerity by criticizing Senator Warner's honest account of a badly flawed candidate.
Let us hope that all Virginians who take pride in the traditions of honest and good government will unite and re-elect Senator Warner, who has worked with success for the good of our region, our state and our nation.
MAX C. CHAPMAN
Portsmouth, April 17, 1996 by CNB