Republican Convention In Va. Sends a Message

Former Virginia governor James S. Gilmore III's margin of victory in the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate was small because conservatives backed his foe. (By Steve Helber -- Associated Press)

"Those people were not there for Bob Marshall," he said. "They were there for a message of hope and life."

Marshall said Monday that he will probably not endorse Gilmore unless he promises to push for a total ban on abortion, a stance that could undercut Gilmore in a general election against Democratic candidate Mark R. Warner, the popular former governor.

Fifty-four percent of Virginians think abortion should be legal in most or all circumstances, according to a Washington Post poll last summer.

Gilmore, who has held the same position on abortion since he was governor, said he has fought for a late-term abortion ban, 24-hour waiting periods and parental notification laws.

"Our message to conservative voters in Virginia is that they have a clear choice in the upcoming U.S. Senate elections, to vote for the former governor [Gilmore] which signed every single pro-family, pro-life legislation that came to his desk" or support Warner, said Ana Gamonal, a Gilmore spokeswoman.

The campaign between Gilmore and Marshall, during which both claimed to be the more conservative candidate, has left some moderate Republicans dispirited.

"We have jumped off the deep end, and we are just going to create a party of unelected candidates if Jim Gilmore isn't conservative enough," said former state senator Martin E. Williams, a moderate Republican from Hampton Roads.

Last year, Williams and then-Sen. J. Brandon Bell II of Roanoke were unseated during the GOP primary by conservatives angered over their support for tax increases. Patricia Stall, the Republican who defeated Williams, lost the general election to John C. Miller (D-Newport News), which allowed Democrats to win the majority in that chamber.

Despite the possible ramifications in a general election, several Republicans said most GOP delegates and senators are more worried about a backlash from conservatives if they support higher taxes to pay for transportation.

"Everybody is answering to the 3,000 people who show up at party conventions, and no one is answering to the [millions] who want some roads," said Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax), who added that both parties need to be mindful of their base but strive for middle ground.

Frederick, 32, said his conservative views about taxes will strengthen the state Republican Party.

"The citizens, they want somebody who stands for something," Frederick said.