Fitch's anti-tax message drowned out as GOP rallies to Kilgore

[Judi Lynn]

Jun 12, 12:00 AM EDT

Fitch's anti-tax message drowned out as GOP rallies to Kilgore

By BOB LEWIS
Associated Press Writer

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Jerry Kilgore, the Republican favorite in Tuesday's primary for Virginia governor, has never spoken ill of his opponent, George Fitch.

In fact, the former state attorney general doesn't speak of Fitch at all.

When Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman came to Richmond two weeks ago to endorse Kilgore, Kilgore and Mehlman both answered questions about Fitch with comments about Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary for governor.

Republicans determined to regain the governor's office they lost to Democrat Mark R. Warner four years ago have closed ranks behind Kilgore. Warner, a wealthy, popular centrist, won by pledging business reforms to state finances as he campaigned with NASCAR drivers and a bluegrass band in depressed rural areas, promising to bring jobs and state dollars. Barred by Virginia's Constitution from seeking consecutive terms, Warner is mulling a 2008 presidential bid and backing Kaine as his heir.

That leaves Kilgore with the endorsements of every major state GOP figure and such muscular conservative allies as the anti-abortion Family Foundation and the National Rifle Association. The $174,000 Fitch has raised is about 2 percent of the $8.6 million Kilgore has received.
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