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still, however small \ that chance may or may not be, Democratic strategists are convinced that such a possibility exists if a candidate can be fielded who can hold one of the philosophical flanks without the other running for cover.
Neither of the two candidates who have affirmatively indicated an interest in running would appear to meet this criterion.
Secretary of Human Resources Joseph Fisher, who is reportedly testing the senatorial waters, is probably better qualified for the job than any man since former Sen. William Spong held the seat more than a decade ago. The scholarly Mr. Fisher served with great distinction as a Congressman from Northern Virginia’s 10th District, but his voting record would likely be judged too liberal for the linkage of down-state conservatives. He would experience great difficulty in cutting into the vital independent conservative vote and money.
The same is true of former Del. Edythe Harrison of Norfolk. While she is bright and energetic, she is virtually unknown outside the Tidewater area. While she wrould have a year to overcome this handicap, she, too, is perceived as a liberal. An attempted giant step to the U. S. Senate on her part would be a bit much for the independents to accept.
On the other side of the spectrum is conservative Alexandria attorney William Thomas. Shortly after Mr. Robb’s election as governor, Mr. Thomas was widely hailed as a likely Senate candidate. This would have vastly pleased the conservatives, but would have precipitated a revolt on the party’s left. Mr. Thomas, however is no longer believed to be interested in the nomination.
Thus the Democratic party and Gov. Robb are finding themselves in a monumental bind with respect to the Senate race.
The loss of two Senate elections, one in 1982 and the other in 1984, would do the party incalculable damage in the gubernatorial year of 1985. Similarly, such a double loss would hardly advance Gov. Robb’s future political ambitions, whatever they may be.
And so the party leaders are focusing on Sen. Andrews as the candidate who would be acceptable to most—but by no means all—of the fractious elements on the electorate’s left and right.
Sen. Andrews has formidable qualifications for the post. At 62, he is a veteran of 19 years in the State Senate. He is the majority leader of the upper house, the chairman of the powerful Privileges and Elections Committee, and is generally considered to be the most influential member of the General Assembly. Beyond that, he is a skilled if at times acerbic orator and a master parliamentarian.
Gov. Robb has reportedly urged him to enter the race, as have Lt. Gov. Dick Davis and other top party officials.
Sen. Andrews himself is believed to be willing, provided he can be persuaded that the estimated $2 million the campaign would cost could be raised. Given the critical importance of the election to Gov. Robb and the party, observers believe this commitment—or one for a sufficiently persuasive amount—will be forthcoming.
“At some point in the next couple of months,” a Capitol source told me, “Robb is going to have to pass the word to Hunter to go for it; that the fund-raising resources of the party and its allies w ill come through if he gets the nomination. If that happens, Hunter will jump into the race with both feet.”
Perhaps he will. But there is considerable worry among the Democrats about w'hether or not Andrews, however willing, has the requisite “fire in his belly” to mount an aggressive campaign against Warner.
Still, he is generally seen as the party’s best hope for victory in 1984. His supporters hope the fire will come with the pledges of the campaign bucks which will be needed to do the job.
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