Former Gov. Jim Gilmore has rejected a call by Del. Robert G. Marshall of Prince William County to hold five debates before Republican delegates choose the party's U.S. Senate nominee at a convention May 31.

"We are past the point of debates," Gilmore spokeswoman Ana Gamonal said. "Seventy-five percent of the delegates already have been elected, and they know where Jim Gilmore stands."

Gamonal noted that the two campaigns have had a dozen joint appearances at mass meetings where delegates were elected.

Gilmore is interested in debating Mark R. Warner during the general election, she added.

Warner, also a former governor, is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of Republican Sen. John W. Warner, who is retiring. The two Warners are not related.

Marshall said debates would be useful because Gilmore has taken inconsistent positions on such issues as abortion and illegal immigration. He said there have been no more than six joint appearances.

"This is a disservice to Republican voters," Marshall said.

Marshall and a little-known consultant from Springfield, Bob Berry, are competing with Gilmore for the GOP nomination. The nominee will be elected at a convention at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. -- Tyler Whitley