Former Gov. Mark R. Warner said yesterday that some of the "highest-end Bush tax cuts" should be allowed to expire to help get the nation's fiscal house in order.

Speaking with reporters after announcing his U.S. Senate bid in Richmond, the Democrat said, "We've got a model here in Virginia. You start with showing you can slow spending, you then move to replenish and then there are certain highest-end Bush tax cuts that should be allowed to expire, but you've got to earn people's trust first."

In the first half of his term as governor from 2002 to 2006, Warner confronted a $6 billion budget shortfall that he eliminated by cutting spending. He later pushed through a $1.4 billion tax increase with support from some Republicans as well as Democrats.

Warner did not specify which of the president's tax cuts should expire. They are scheduled to expire 2010, unless Congress continues them.

Republicans say Warner went back on his campaign promise in 2001 not to raise taxes. Warner says he had to do so to keep Virginia's prized AAA bond rating.

As Warner announced his bid at the Virginia Biotechnology Center yesterday, John H. Hager, the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, issued a news release calling Warner "another tax-hiking Democrat."

"Mark Warner is once again expecting Virginians to trust what he says on the campaign trail," Hager said. "This time, however, voters from the commonwealth know that this Democratic candidate is not credible."

A possible opponent in the fall election is former Gov. Jim Gilmore, whom Warner succeeded and who Warner blamed for the shortfall.

Without mentioning Gilmore by name yesterday, Warner said, "Everyone was amazed that the budget shortfall that my predecessor left behind was four times greater than he said it would be."

Gilmore has said Warner exaggerated the shortfall to pave the way for the tax increase.

In the steamy atrium of the biotechnology center, Warner spoke to about 250 people, many of whom had worked in his administration,

In Richmond, the third stop on a four-city tour of the state yesterday, Warner was joined by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine; Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd; Warner's wife, Lisa Collis; and their two youngest daughters. The oldest was taking final exams.

Political observers say Warner is an overwhelming favorite to win the Senate race, and some Democrats worry that only overconfidence can hurt his chances.

"Anyone who knows Mark Warner knows that he is going to work awfully hard," said state Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico.

On the war in Iraq, Warner said, "We need to pressure the Iraqis to take more responsibility for their country." To do that, the U.S. needs to start bringing the troops home, he said, although he offered no withdrawal timetable.

"An open-ended commitment doesn't get us any closer to a resolution," he said.

Warner said the U.S. needs to wean itself from dependence on foreign oil by investing in alternative fuel sources. Drilling for oil in the Arctic, which Gilmore wants to do, would do nothing to ease the oil shortage because it will take 10 years to develop the fields, he said.

Gilmore and Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William are fighting for the Republican nomination, which will be decided at a convention May 31 in Richmond.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.