Godwin Narrowly Leads In Va. Governor's Race

Conservative Republican Mills E. Godwin, Jr. appeared to have squeezed past independent liberal Henry E. Howell, Jr. in the Virginia governor's race, as of 1 a.m. this morning.

With 1636 of 1832 precincts tallied, Godwin had 466,132 votes to Howell's 455,480.

Godwin, campaigning on a theme of traditional conservative "stability," attacked Howell as a tool of labor union bosses, a supporter of massive busing, and a McGovern sympathizer. Howell, espousing a new "responsiveness" in government, apparently failed in his neopopulist attempt for a coalition of liberals, blacks, and blue-collar workers.

Ironically, there was no Democratic candidate, though Godwin and Howell were both Democrats two years ago. Godwin, governor from 1966 to 1970, and the last of an 84-year succession of Democratic governors, shifted to the GOP this year.