A State of Instability $

The state of Virginia honors its traditions faithfully, preferring, in its genteel political combat, mediocrity over notoriety. But this year's Senate race, starring the wounded Democratic incumbent, Charles Robb, and his probable Republican challenger, Oliver North, of Iran-contra fame, competes with the soaps for sensationalism. Tales of sexual adventures and charges of mendacity were already staples when the subject of mental instability popped up last week. "This is the most bizarre race in the state's history," says Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia, an expert in ugly campaigns. "To have two scandal-drenched candidates is a breakdown of Virginia's norms."

James...