Primaries Will Weigh Virginians' Tax Anger

But the tax issue has been prominent even in some House races where there is no incumbent. In Fairfax City, former mayor John Mason has been hammered by opponent Jim L. Kaplan for supporting the effort to pass a transportation tax in 2002.

"The impact of the tax debate will be reflected in the results of the open seats," said Stephen A. Horton, a Richmond lobbyist and former deputy chief of staff for ex-governor James S. Gilmore III.

Horton also said he thinks that voters will choose strongly anti-tax candidates for statewide office, in the belief that tax increases were not necessary. Horton is backing Del. Robert F. McDonnell (R-Virginia Beach) against lawyer Stephen E. Baril to be the GOP nominee for attorney general.

"The nomination of conservative anti-tax Republicans statewide like Bolling and McDonnell -- who have campaigned on their records of opposing tax increases -- will be a strong barometer of voter opinion," Horton said.

In the 45th House District, where Democrat Marian Van Landingham is retiring, six Democrats have argued about who is liberal enough to represent Arlington and Alexandria.

The Democratic candidates for governor, Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, and attorney general, Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath), will not appear on the ballot because they are unopposed. But Tuesday's primary offers a choice among four Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor.

State Del. Viola Baskerville (D-Richmond) made waves early in her campaign for the state's No. 2 office by criticizing Kaine's plan to allow a 20 percent "homestead exemption" on homeowner taxes.

Baskerville is running against Del. J. Chapman Petersen (D-Fairfax), former state senator Leslie L. Byrne and Sen. Phillip P. Puckett (D-Russell).

Staff writers Michael A. Chandler and Chris L. Jenkins contributed to this report.