Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia professor known for his Election Day observations, today released his most recent take on the U.S. Senate races this November which includes the popular prediction that Virginia's open seat likely will go Democratic.

Sabato expects Democrats to pick up between three and seven seats to add to their razor-thin 51-49 margin in what is shaping up to be a tough political environment for Republicans across the nation. But that's still less than they need to reach 60, the number needed to shut down filibusters.

Thousands of party activists will converge on the Greater Richmond Convention Center this weekend for the state Republican convention.

Republicans will select their nominee for the race to fill the seat of retiring Sen. John W. Warner (R). They will also elect a party chairman and delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

The convention will offer insight into the future direction of the party and clues into upcoming state and federal elections. Here are 15 questions the convention might help to answer. You can check back next week to find out the answers

The legislative advocacy arm, FRC Action, of the Family Research Council, founded in 1983 to promote "marriage, family and the sanctity of human life," endorsed Del. Robert G. Marshall (Prince William) for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

"Delegate Marshall is the conservative candidate in this race," said Connie Mackey, senior vice president of the group's legislative advocacy arm, FRC Action. "There is a clear and significant difference between Bob Marshall's claim to the pro-life mantle and Jim Gilmore's."

Hundreds of supporters, including many local elected officials, greeted Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Mark. R. Warner at an outdoor rally outside the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk on the second day of his four-state tour. A four-piece ensemble played music.

Jim Pierce, a financial adviser from Williamsburg who considers himself a Republican, said he will support Warner because he is impressed with his "common sense" approach and the way he reaches across party lines.

Warner, who calls himself a moderate Democrat, frequently talks of forming a coalition of 10-12 "radical centrist" senators from both parties to hash out compromises.

Eights months after he announced he would run for U.S. Senate, Democrat Mark R. Warner officially launched his campaign tonight in the small town of Abingdon in southwest Virginia.

"I believe that the American public doesn't trust either party enough to give them a blank check and what it's going to take is that both parties need to work together,'' Warner said.

More than 250 supporters welcomed Warner, his wife, Lisa, and their two youngest daughters at E.B. Stanley Middle School for an early dinner of barbecue, cole slaw and pickles. A band played bluegrass music, including a song about Warner from his days as governor.

Former governor James S. Gilmore III will not debate his rival for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), next month in an event sponsored by three Young Republican clubs in Northern Virginia.

"We're past the point of debate,'' said Ana M. Gamonal, Gilmore's spokeswoman.

Gamonal said Gilmore's schedule is packed between now and next month's convention when delegates from across the state will choose a nominee.

Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) agreed to participate in a U.S. Senate debate sponsored by three Young Republican clubs in Northern Virginia in the third week of May.

No word on whether his opponent for the Republican nomination, former governor James S. Gilmore III, will participate.

Gilmore turned down previous requests to debate Marshall. Instead, he is concentrating on a possible general election contest with the presumptive Democratic nominee, former governor Mark R. Warner.

Former governor James S. Gilmore III said today that he has secured enough delegates to win the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next month but his rival, Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), disputed that.

"The race is not over,'' Marshall said.

Even the introductions are partisan in the House of Delegates.

Del. Lacey E. Putney, an Independent from Bedford who caucuses with Republicans, introduced two visiting members of Virginia's congressional delegation, Republican Reps. Thelma Drake and Robert J. Wittman.

A third member, Democrat Rep. James P. Moran Jr. was sitting close by but was not recognized until House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry) stood up to introduce him.

Get ready to be inundated with a series of potentially competitive elections.

Because of the Democratic resurgence in Virginia, voters are going to be facing more choices at the polls over the next two years than they have in decades.

It all starts Feb. 12, with the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.

Former Gov. Mark Warner has received more than 1,400 online donations totaling more than half a million dollars since he announced in September he was running for U.S. Senate next year.

In an email to supporters today, Warner asks for more contributions to reach his 2007 goal of 1,500 online donors before midnight Dec. 31.

"Trust me: that sends a powerful message that Virginians are ready for transformative change and a new approach in Washington,'' he wrote. "Let's make that message even more loud and clear."

Warner is the likely Democratic nominee in the race to replace retiring Republican Sen. John Warner. Former Gov. James S. Gilmore III is running for the Republication nomination while Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) said he is considering running.

Will U.S. Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va) endorse former Gov. James S. Gilmore III''s bid for U.S. Senate?

It's difficult to tell from the statement the senior senator issued tonight.

Warner said Gilmore "has a record of extensive, credible public service." But Warner also hinted that some Republicans are looking for another GOP candidate to get into the race.

"Across the state there is a growing interest in putting forward a strong Republican slate of nominees - Senate and House - for the 2008 congressional elections," Warner said in his statement.

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) issued a statement tonight about the Democrats' success in retaking the state Senate and picking up four seats in the House. In the statement, Warner said Virginia Republicans paid a price for moving too far to the right in recent years. You can read the full statement below.

When Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va) announced in September he was retiring at the end of his term, some Virginia Republicans were hoping he would send some of his campaign cash to GOP candidates for the state House and Senate.

According to the Federal Election Commission, John Warner's campaign committee reported having $724,000 in the bank as of Sept. 30. But Warner hasn't donated any of his money to Virginia Republicans this year, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks money in state politics.