NEWS CONFERENCE 419

Q. Have you had any recent talks with Governor Rockefeller, speak-
ing of candidates?

A. Yes, I had a talk with Governor Rockefeller on the phone, I
think it was two days ago, when I approached him to see whether
it would be possible to get any foundation money to support opera-
tion CHAMP or a continuation of operation CHAMP in the City.
And now that that is on the table, I would like to make a public ap-
peal to the private citizens of Baltimore and of Maryland and to in-
dustries and business, to assist in any way they can in an effort that's
shortly to be announced, to allow operation CHAMP, the recreational
program in the impacted areas of the City, to continue through the
summer even though the Federal funds have been cut off.

Q. Did you talk any politics?

A. Well, no, we really didn't. The Governor told me he was closeted
at the time I spoke with him with certain leadership people in the
New York Constitutional Convention, and I didn't have a chance to
talk politics.

Q. Were you encouraged with any of his recent statements, or dis-
couraged?

A. I'm not encouraged or discouraged by anything he said, but
I'm greatly encouraged by the reaction of the recent polls and the way
people are beginning to talk about the Rockefeller candidacy.

Q. Do you feel vindicated by these polls?

A. No, I don't feel vindicated. I just think that what was obvious
is now being published.

Q. Do you think Governor Rockefeller's chances have been en-
hanced by the recent difficulties Governor Romney has encountered,
most notably the brainwashing incident?

A. No, I don't think that affects Governor Rockefeller, because he's
an outright supporter of Governor Romney. If he weren't, I would
say probably, yes.

Q. Well, politically and popularly have his chances improved?
A. Well, I think his popularity is going up all the time.

Q. Did you get any encouragement from him with regard to getting
funds for operation CHAMP?