Key gun lobby sits out election

A key Virginia gun rights lobby said yesterday that it will not endorse a candidate in the gubernatorial race but is urging its members not to sit out the election, as many did in 2001.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), yesterday said Democrat Timothy M. Kaine was the only candidate to complete the group’s survey on gun issues.

Republican Jerry W. Kilgore, who has the backing of the National Rifle Association, did not submit the survey, nor did independent candidate H. Russell Potts Jr.

“We don’t have enough information to endorse anybody,” Mr. Van Cleave said.

Both the VCDL and NRA declined to endorse candidates in the 2001 race between Republican Mark L. Earley and Democrat Mark Warner. However, two weeks before the election, the NRA sent a letter urging members to vote for Mr. Earley.

Mr. Van Cleave said many voters stayed home because they were “disenchanted” with the Earley campaign. He is urging members to vote Nov. 8, even if they skip a choice for governor.

“We understand that many of you are considering sitting out the election due to the lack of a standout pro-gun candidate in the governor’s race. Go to the polls and vote,” the group writes in a newsletter, noting the importance of other statewide races and contests for the House of Delegates.

The VCDL’s newsletter and endorsements reach about 7,000 people.

Meanwhile, the group’s political action committee yesterday endorsed Republican William T. Bolling for lieutenant governor.

Mr. Kilgore will not be seeking the group’s endorsement, campaign spokesman Tucker Martin said.

“While we have great respect for the members of the VCDL, their President Phillip Van Cleave unfortunately has no credibility on Second Amendment issues and that is why we did not participate,” Mr. Martin said, declining to elaborate.

Mr. Van Cleave laughed when he heard Mr. Martin’s comment.

“I have no idea where that’s coming from,” he said. “I’m sorry to hear them say that. We’ve been nothing but polite to that campaign. That answer is not going to fly.”

House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, Salem Republican, also was confused by the comment and called Mr. Van Cleave “credible.”

“I like Phillip,” he said. “He’s a sincere and knowledgeable individual when it comes to protecting gun rights.”

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