DATE: Monday, November 3, 1997              TAG: 9711030241

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B7   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NASSAWADOX                        LENGTH:   65 lines

THE EASTERN SHORE'S RIBS GET A DEMOCRATIC TICKLE AN UNCONTESTED 100TH DISTRICT RACE? NOT IF INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE HAS A SAY.

Richard Andrews couldn't sit by and watch Del. Bob Bloxom run unopposed in the 100th District again. It really bothers him that 48 of the state's 100 delegate races are uncontested.

So he's campaigning for the seat that Bloxom has held for 20 years.

``One of my main objectives was re-invigorating participatory democracy,'' said Andrews, who is running as an independent. ``It's easy, when you get complacent, to forget that we are the government.''

Both candidates have run squeaky-clean campaigns. There's been no mudslinging. None.

``Richard and I had nothing bad to say about each other, which is the way I think it should be,'' Bloxom said. ``It's bothered me for a long time, the practice of pointing out the flaws of others rather than saying, `This is what I'm going to do, and how I'm going to do it.' ''

Andrews, 41, is a family practice physician who works in community health centers in Accomack and Northampton counties. For years, his medical practice has focused on the health needs of migrant workers.

``Community health is my big issue,'' said Andrews. ``Everything falls under that rubric - jobs, the bridge tunnel toll, the environment. I feel, as a physician, that I need to do more than just what can be done in the office.''

He sees low-income voters as his natural constituency. And he vehemently opposes the $20-round-trip Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll because, he says, it discriminates against poor people.

``I think the reason the whole area has low wages is because of the bridge-tunnel toll,'' Andrews said. ``It's a financial Berlin Wall - an economic barrier imposed by a state authority that separates us from the rest of the state. Whether we get Virginia Beachified or not, it's simply unfair.''

Bloxom points to his accomplishments as a reason for re-election. He's helped to get funding for the Eastern Shore Community College, Kiptopeke State Park, the Eastern Shore Farmers' Market, and Spaceport Virginia.

``I'm able to assist in helping things happen,'' said Bloxom. ``To have played a part in that type of process is rewarding.''

The 61-year-old Republican sits on some key committees: Agriculture, Labor and Commerce; Chesapeake and its Tributaries; Appropriations. He's voted on 80,000 proposed pieces of legislation during his tenure as the Eastern Shore's delegate.

Andrews won the mock election at Northampton High School with 52 percent of the vote. But in the real world, running against Bob Bloxom is a bit like tackling Abraham Lincoln.

But winning isn't the sole point of his candidacy, said Andrews. He wanted to spark public debate, and he's had some success.

The local newspaper printed four long stories in which he and Bloxom described their views on education, the environment and economy. But Andrews said he was disappointed that Bloxom declined an offer for a radio debate. And the newspaper articles didn't touch subjects like capital punishment, abortion, gay rights and drug policies.

Win or lose, Andrews isn't going to let political debate die on the Eastern Shore.

``As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Bloxom will never run unopposed again. I might tackle Bateman on alternate years. Or Norment,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Del. Bob Bloxom

Richard Andrews KEYWORDS: ELECTION HOUSE OF DELEGATES RACE 100TH DISTRICT

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