Va. Republicans Fear Party Split Might Worsen

Williams, who has a reputation for being brash toward constituents, fended off criticism of his vote in favor of a plan approved this year that allows local governments in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia to raise taxes to pay for roads.

The conservatives' success occurred two years after they largely failed to punish House Republicans who voted for then-Gov. Mark R. Warner's (D) 2004 tax package.

In 2005, the Virginia Conservative Action political action committee tried to unseat six of 17 of those delegates. But only one of the targeted Republicans lost.

Williams's and Bell's losses come as three other moderate Senate Republicans -- President John H. Chichester (Northumberland), H. Russell Potts Jr. (Winchester) and Charles R. Hawkins (Chatham) -- are retiring.

"I would say you got an absolute earthquake in the Virginia state Senate," said Republican strategist Ray Allen. "I predict you will not see a move in the Senate to raise taxes again."

But Democrats and even some Republicans say the conservatives might regret their decisions come Nov. 6. Democrats need to pick up four seats to regain control of the Senate.

"In a small turnout election, these voters can make a difference. But in a general election, they may get swallowed up," said retiring Del. Vincent F. Callahan Jr. (R-Fairfax).

Williams lost to Tricia B. Stall, who has signed a petition expressing support for "ending government involvement in education."

Even though Stall will be running in a reliably Republican district, party leaders fear that she is so conservative it could be nearly impossible for them to keep a Democratic candidate from picking up the seat. Top Republican senators plan to meet with Stall in a few days.

Potts, a maverick who is considering endorsing the Democrat running to replace him instead of conservative GOP nominee Jill Holtzman Vogel, called Tuesday's election a "huge opportunity for the Democrats."

"If the Republicans retain control of the Senate, it will almost be as far right and radical as the House of Delegates, and that is bad news for Virginia," Potts said.

But several Republicans said yesterday that the Senate, regardless of which party wins control, will still serve as a foil to the more conservative House. Unlike the delegates, senators have traditionally been more willing to work with members of the opposite party.

"There are certainly 21 pragmatic people in the Senate still," said Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax), who is seeking reelection. This GOP "election just changed two seats out of 40."