I recall that the Democrat he ran against in '97 tryed to make abortion a major issue of the campaign. The dem opposed parental notification laws and Gilmore came out and supported law that required minors get permission to have an abortion. I also recall he was attacked for being a no-exceptions pro-lifer during one point in the campaign.
Wonderful, thank you! Last but not least: does he want to run for President? Really?
Abortion was not a key issue in the '97 Virginia Governor's race. George Allen signed Virginia's Parental Notification Law the last year he was Governor.
Gilmore ran and won on his "No Car Tax" Pledge. Brilliant campaign strategy that turned into lousy policy. But that's another story.
Even if George Allen were out of the picture (and he's not), I wouldn't support Gilmore for the nomination.