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By JOHN GOOLRICK
Democrats who gather in Roanoke June 5-6 for the party’s state convention aren’t apt to be a happy lot.
The gathering will come fresh on the heels of Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s extraordinary press conference in Washington when he angrily lashed out at U.S. Sen. Charles S. Robb and members of his staff for allegedly trying to destroy his presidential bid.
It will also come at a time there is speculation Robb may be indicted by a federal grand jury since his former chief advisor and friend David McCloud turned on him in a plea-bargaining deal.
McCloud, in effect, said Robb was not telling the truth about his knowledge of the famous Wilder tape when he testified before a grand jury.
The presumption of innocence until guilty is proven is basic to the American system of justice. Yet that presumption doesn’t necessarily apply to politics and politicians, and Robb has suffered grave damage to his once flawless reputation.
Nobody is saying it publicly yet, but there is certainly whispered talk going on in both parties about whomight be a suitable replacement for Robb should he be forced to step down before his present term ends. Or, for that matter, who might run in 1994 should he be able to serve out his term.
A Robb resignation — not beyond the realm of possibility should he be indicted — is still a longshot because it would mean Wilder could
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