GOP's Warner Hesitant to Back Gilmore, Citing Bailout Stance

RICHMOND, Oct. 4 -- Retiring Sen. John W. Warner said Saturday that he has not decided whether to vote for the Republican seeking to replace him, citing James S. Gilmore III's opposition to the $700 billion federal bailout of the credit markets.

In a conference call with reporters, Warner (R-Va.) held out the possibility that he will vote for Democrat Mark R. Warner. The two Warners, who are unrelated, ran against each other in a 1996 Senate campaign but have since become friends.

"I'm watching that race, following the positions of the two candidates," John Warner said. "There are cases where I support Democratic candidates, but I am not there yet."

The incumbent said he is disappointed that Gilmore is criticizing the bailout so strongly.

In a televised debate with Mark Warner on Friday night, Gilmore said the bailout was an unnecessary use of tax dollars because it would largely benefit the wealthy. He repeatedly criticized Mark Warner, a former governor, for supporting it.

"I will stand for the taxpayers," said Gilmore, also a former governor, whose advisers think the issue can help jump-start his underdog campaign.

John Warner voted for the federal bailout plan Wednesday, arguing that it was needed to spur banks to lend money. "That is a vote for Virginia's economy," the senator said.

Yesterday, Gilmore said in a statement that he had "great respect" for John Warner but repeated his opposition to the bailout.

The senator has been cagey all year about whether he would endorse Gilmore, who has struggled to win over moderate Republicans. He donated $2,000 to Gilmore's campaign in June, but it would not be unusual for him to break ranks with his party.

In the 1994 Senate race, John Warner endorsed independent J. Marshall Coleman instead of fellow Republican Oliver L. North, which helped Charles S. Robb (D) win reelection.