UVA Center for Politics

Center for Politics
2400 Old Ivy Road
P.O. Box 400806
Charlottesville, VA 22904
Tel: 434.243.8468
Fax: 434.243.8467

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About

On July 19 and 20, 2001, the Center for Governmental Studies held the fourth annual Governors Conference at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. Following successful conferences on former governors Mills E. Godwin, Jr., A. Linwood Holton, Jr., and John N. Dalton, the Center turned its attention to the administration of Governor Charles S. Robb (1982-1986), bringing in former cabinet members, top aides, journalists, and key legislators to discuss the Robb administration and legacy.

Charles S. Robb's election as governor in 1981 was the catalyst for an era of Democratic resurgence in the Commonwealth. Robb's term as governor is remembered for his combination of fiscal conservatism and moderate social views, his efforts to improve minority representation in the state government and race relations throughout the Commonwealth, and his emphasis on bringing Virginia more firmly into the 20th century. His successes in these areas made him one of Virginia's most popular and effective governors and set the stage for the conservative Virginia to repeatedly elect Democrats to its highest office, all while the nation was led by Republican presidents. After serving as governor, Robb served twelve years as a United States Senator.