Wilder Moves to Enter Senate Race in Virginia

Former Democratic Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is ready to run for the U.S. Senate as an independent if Democratic incumbent Charles S. Robb and Republican Oliver L. North win their party nominations.

Wilder, who announced in January that he would not challenge Robb, said Friday that he had changed his mind at the urging of supporters.

“People are disheartened over what they see as an issue-less campaign,” Wilder said. “People have said to me since January: ‘You’ve done a pretty good job of trying to help Virginia have a better image.’ ”

Wilder said he has authorized supporters to collect signatures on petitions to put him on the ballot. They would need 15,000 signatures of registered voters by June 14, the same date as the Democratic primary.

Robb, who is seeking a second term, is running against Richmond lawyer Sylvia Clute, state Sen. Virgil H. Goode Jr. and Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. follower Nancy Spannaus.

Republicans will choose between North and James C. Miller III, a former budget director in the Ronald Reagan Administration, at a June 4 convention.

Spokesmen for North and Miller said they were gleeful over Wilder’s announcement.

“Doug Wilder takes votes from Chuck Robb, period,” said North spokesman Dan McLagan. “We just have to fasten our seat belts. It’s sure going to be an interesting race.”

Miller spokesman Jonathan Baron said: “It would be one solid conservative against two Democrats engaged in a vicious fight.”

A Robb spokesman did not immediately return a telephone call.