Secret Talks Seek Unity For Feuding Va. GOP

McDonnell, who is widely believed to be preparing for a 2009 run for governor, would not confirm Thursday that any meetings took place. But he said he is determined to help his party retain control of the legislature.

"The Republican Party worked for 130 years to take a majority. In the last six, as we have assumed the mantle of governing Virginia, there has been a lot of very public and acerbic disagreements," he said. "I want to make sure our party stays in power and wins in 2007. The way to do that is to have a very productive 2007 session on the key issues that Virginians care about."

Davis participated in McDonnell's Dec. 5 meeting by telephone. Wolf and Davis have met privately with House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) to urge action. And Gillespie met with Senate Republicans on Dec. 15 after a breakfast fundraiser.

The meetings reflect a new recognition by some Republicans of the party's vulnerability after last month's elections. Although such incumbents as Davis and Wolf held on, the party's standard-bearer, Sen. George Allen, was defeated, faring especially poorly in Northern Virginia.

"The equation is pretty simple," Davis said. "If they come back empty-handed, the Democrats will say these guys can't deliver transportation. Up here [in Northern Virginia], it's going to be very tough sledding."

Gillespie would not comment on meetings he has had with lawmakers, saying those would be confidential. "I do believe that it's important that Republicans in the House of Delegates and the Senate are seen to be working together," he said in a brief interview.

Devolites Davis, who attended a meeting with Gillespie and senior Senate Republicans, said the new party chairman made it clear he intends to be an honest broker.

"He just wants to bring the party back together," she said. "He understands how bad the traffic is and how strongly people feel. Anyone who is in a leadership position outside the bodies sees how important it is to get something done."

J. Scott Leake, a chief aide to Senate Republicans, said, "What has gone on certainly hasn't hurt and can only help."

Participants in McDonnell's meetings said he and Deputy Attorney General William C. Mims have offered a number of transportation proposals, including tax and fee increases supported by senators and borrowing favored by House Republicans.

Chichester, who said he has met with McDonnell privately in recent weeks, said the talks have not produced any real movement.

"What I gather, nothing is happening," Chichester said. "I think they are honest brokers. But until we get some new money on the table, we haven't really gone anywhere. [The House] is still holding their 'no new revenue' stance."

Griffith called the talks "very cordial" but would not comment specifically because participants were told that the meetings would be kept confidential.

"Clearly there's movement or we wouldn't be talking," he said.