University of Virginia Library

Robinson, Williams Reveal Conflict On
Congressional Seniority System, Caucuses

By MEG VINSON

J. Kenneth Robinson,
incumbent 7th District
Republican Congressman, and
his Democratic opponent
Murat Williams expressed their
views in reply to a
questionnaire sent to them by
Common Cause, a citizen's
lobby organization headed by
John Gardner, former HEW
secretary.

Robinson Supports Seniority

One major difference
between the Republican
incumbent and his Democratic
opponent is Mr. Robinson's
support for the seniority
system and open caucuses
while Mr. Williams wishes to
put an end to this system and
allow caucuses and committee
meetings to become open to
the public.

Common Cause questions
candidates once every
congressional session in order
for the voters and candidates
to realize the need for
congressional reforms.

Will you support in your
party caucus an end to the
seniority system by requiring
an automatic, public vote on
each individual committee
chairmanship?

Supports Vote Disclosure

Mr. Robinson: No, but the
votes should be announced
afterwards as long as "the
principle of the secre ballot
(is) preserved as to individual
votes."

Mr. Williams: Yes.

Will you support in your
party caucus to require all
Congressional committees to
vote and meet in open session
except in cases of national
security and personal privacy,
and to open all sessions and
votes of party caucuses to the
public and the press?

Mr. Robinson: Yes, for
committees; no, for party
caucuses.

Mr. Williams: Yes.

Will you support Senator
Chiles's open meetings bill
(s3881) or the companion bill
in the House?

Mr. Robinson: Not familiar
with bill at this time.

Mr. Williams: Yes.

Do you favor public
financing of most election
costs, and a limit on individual
contributions?

Mr. Robinson: No.

Mr. Williams: Yes. "The
check-off on the income
tax...would be a good thing."

Do you favor the full public
disclosure of all activities and
expenditures by those seeking
to influence legislative or
Executive Branch activity by
lobbying?

Mr. Robinson: No. Present
requirements are effective if
enforced, while more "would
be onerous (if) everyone having
even an occasional interest in
legislation had to register and
file reports."

Mr. Williams: Yes. "Our
political decisions must not be
determined by the size of
contributions..."

Do you favor a law requiring
annual, public disclosure of
financial holdings and interests
by members of Congress and
their staffs and by high
officials of the Executive
Branch?

Mr. Robinson: No, as regards
"savings and investments
unrelated to government
service."

Mr. Williams: Yes. "Present
laws have been a big help," but
more is needed.

Will you support a
reorganization of the
Congressional committee