Less than two hours after Senator John Warner first revealed his intentions to retire and the opening salvo of the 2008 Republican primary has already been fired. In a release from Washington, the conservative Club for Growth attacked Congressman Tom Davis, who they called "one of the more economically liberal members of the Republican conference."

Davis' "record is riddled with anti-growth votes," the Club wrote, echoing a number of other releases the organization has put out in recent months. The Club also recently targeted Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who, if Senator Larry Craig resigns, is seen as a likely replacement.

In Virginia, the Club would more likely back former Gov. Jim Gilmore, who will position himself as the more conservative candidate. If salvos are flying this early, a Davis-Gilmore primary is not likely to end on friendly terms.