Webb Has a Slim Edge Over Allen, But Recount Likely

Webb jumped into the lead early, but by 10 p.m., Allen claimed a tiny advantage. As the night stretched on, the margin between the two widened and shrunk, adding to the drama. Then, around midnight, Webb jumped into the lead, after some absentee ballots were counted in Fairfax County.

An independent candidate, Gail Parker, claimed about 25,000 votes, or a little more than 1 percent. Parker, who campaigned as an Independent Green candidate, spent almost no money on her campaign and made increasing support for building mass transit the exclusive issue of her campaign. Analysts said it was unclear whose votes her presence might have affected more.

Despite steady rain in many parts of the state, election officials said turnout across Virginia was high and could end up rivaling participation usually seen during presidential contests. Nearly half of the state's 4.5 million registered voters cast ballots.

Webb appeared to be doing well among women, African Americans and independents, according to exit polls. Allen had a significant lead among white voters, religious voters and veterans.

In other state elections, 13-term Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R) fought off a well-funded challenge by Democratic health care expert Judy Feder in the 10th Congressional District of Northern Virginia. Feder had raised more money than Wolf and made his support of President Bush an issue.

U.S. Representatives Thomas M. Davis III (R) and James P. Moran (D) were easily reelected. In Virginia Beach, Democratic challenger Phil Kellam was leading in a close race against freshman Republican Rep. Thelma D. Drake in a nationally watched contest.

In Prince William, Republican Corey A. Stewart beat Democrat Sharon E. Pandak in the race for chairman of the Board of County Supervisors. And in Manassas, Republican Jackson H. Miller beat Democrat Jeanette M. Rishell for the House seat held by the late Harry Parrish (R).

Chris Zimmerman (D) was reelected Arlington County Board chairman.

For Allen, 54, a win would represent a stunning recovery. Six months ago, he was actively exploring a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. But his Senate reelection campaign faltered after he called a Webb volunteer of Indian American descent a "macaca," which is a slur in some cultures.

Webb, 60, is a former Marine and first-time candidate who rarely seemed at ease on the campaign trail. In his campaign, Webb vowed to change the debate surrounding the Iraq war, which he opposed.

Voters yesterday expressed anger over President Bush's policies, especially in Iraq, with 52 percent saying they don't like the war and 53 percent disapproving of the job Bush is doing, according to the poll of 1,986 Virginia voters conducted by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International. The responses suggested that Allen's staunch support for the president cost him some votes.

"Two words," said Mark Early, 46, an independent from Arlington County, explaining his vote for Webb. " 'Neuter Bush.' With a Democratic Congress, the best we can do is limit the damage."