Anti-gun Demo platform selfdestructs…

“It’s very sobering to all of us,” said state Sen. Mary Margaret
Whipple (D-Arlington), chairwoman of the Senate’s party caucus.

The disparity has convinced party leaders that Warner’s decision
to embrace gun rights and avoid divisive social issues was key,
and other candidates must follow that model if the party is to
win statewide and gain legislative seats.

Party leaders attribute McEachin’s loss mainly to his decision
in the primary campaign to emphasize gun safety and brag about
his “F” rating from the National Rifle Association. By contrast,
Warner courted NRA support, largely neutralizing the gun issue
by preventing an endorsement by the group for Earley.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5027-2001Nov9.html