New Face Winning Hearts in Va. GOP

Gilmore's allies say the former governor has the best chance of beating Warner in the fall (a third, lesser-known Republican, Robert D. Berry, 51, of Springfield also is seeking the GOP nomination). Conservative Republicans also dispute the notion that the party must change to win, saying adherence to the principles of small government, low taxes and social conservatism will bring out voters turned off by the moderation of some GOP politicians.

"This is a bad time for the Republican Party," said state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax), who is supporting fellow conservative Marshall. "But you don't put the brakes on something like that unless your team is all together."

Gilmore declined to be interviewed. His spokeswoman, Ana Gamonal, said the former governor is focused on "defeating Mark Warner in the fall" and did not want to talk about whether he faces a serious challenge at the convention.

"We are preparing as if Governor Gilmore will be the nominee on May 31," she said.

Marshall said that is a mistake. "We have elections in America, not coronations by hereditary right," he said.

He is focused on building conservative support. His campaign manager, Steve Waters, ran the Family Foundation's grass-roots campaign to pass the anti-same-sex marriage amendment two years ago, giving Marshall crucial access to conservative activists across the state.

Marshall is also quick to tell would-be supporters that Gilmore is a director with Barr Pharmaceuticals, a drugmaker that produces Plan B, the so-called morning-after pill, and he points out Gilmore's past statements that he does not support outlawing abortion during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.

"I am supporting Bob Marshall because he is 100 percent pro-life," said Pat Martin, 60, chairwoman of the Tazewell County Republican Committee in southwest Virginia.

Also, Marshall is not Gilmore. J. Kenneth Klinge, a prominent Northern Virginia Republican and former member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, is among those who will support Marshall precisely for that reason.

"My dealings with [Gilmore] in the last couple of years have not been positive," Klinge said. "I told Bob that I would be helpful where I could."