University of Virginia Library

Democrats Solicit Youth Support
In State Gubernatorial Contest

By Jim Basi

Candidates for Virginia's highest offices
appeared at a rally at the University
Monday night in an attempt to win the
support of the youth of this state.

William Battle, J. Sargeant Reynolds,
and Andrew Miller, Democratic nominees
in the November election, came to the rally
sponsored by the University Young Democrats
and held in honor of the Youth Squad which is
currently touring the state on behalf of the
ticket.

The Youth Squad is sponsored by the
College Federation of Young Democrats. It is
currently touring the campuses of various
colleges in the state.

J. Sargeant Reynolds, candidate for Lieutenant
Governor, characterized the speeches
when he stated "we need your encouragement
and we need the feeling that the young people
have faith in the Democratic party of Virginia
and we will do our best to justify it."

Andrew Miller, attorney general candidate,
emphasized that the Democrats went to the
people for their candidates and did not rely on
a convention of less than 1000 delegates to
choose as the Republicans of this state.

Activate Youth

Mr. Reynolds urged the youth of this state
to become active in the Democratic party. He
said that the youth of today want to bring
"reality and the myths of this country closer
together."

He recognized the state's progress in the
areas of equal opportunity and in education. He
promised that the state would continue to
expand these areas and would attempt to solve
the problems of the city ghettos.

Mr. Battle, Democratic nominee for Governor,
first commented on the Youth Advisory
Council which was formed last spring. He said
the group was organized to keep open the lines
of communication between the college students
and the state government.

The Council will continue to function after
the election and will expand to include the
youth of the state who are not in college,
according to Mr. Battle.

The National Republican Party's interest in
the Virginia Gubernatorial Election was stressed
by Mr. Battle. He said that his secretary's
parents in New York had received a letter from
Ronald Reagan asking for Virginia campaign
contributions.

'Own Campaign'

Mr. Battle said he felt the people of Virginia
want to run their own campaign.

The consumer protection program was the
next focus of comment. Mr. Battle blamed the
Republicans for their poor planning of a
response to his proposals. Mr. Holton, Republican
candidate for Governor, has proposed that
a Mr. Protector tour the state listening to
complaints from the people and referring them
to the proper Commonwealth Attorney for
action.

The program was ended with a plea to
support the state Democratic ticket by Sam
Kidd, chairman of the Youth Squad, and Jack
orn, local campaign-coordinator.