The state Democratic Party's governing body, at a weekend session in Charlottesville, unanimously passed a resolution opposing the proposed gay marriage amendment to Virginia's constitution.

The upshot, participants say, is sending a clear message to the 125 local committees in Virginia to mobilize the party machinery and manpower to help defeat the measure in the Nov. 7 election.

But Victoria Cobb of the Family Foundation of Virginia, which hopes to help win passage of the proposed amendment, said she wasn't worried about any possible aftermath of the Democratic resolution.

"I think voters typically follow their own views, versus a statement by a political party," she said. "I think it is sad because there are so many Democrats across Virginia who support the proposed amendment. I don't think the vote is representative of many of the rank-and-file members within the party."

The resolution that passed Saturday with little debate or discussion at a quarterly session of the party's central committee, encourages party faithful to continue with their educational efforts.

"At minimum, the mere passage of the resolution certainly gives local party people some guidance," said Sam Garrison, a committee representative from Roanoke. "It is implicitly a suggestion that says, 'OK Democrats, let's go out and form our own action plan.' "

He said there is sufficient time to shape voters' sentiments since the campaigns on both sides are still in their infancies.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, said he supports marriage between one man and one woman. "His concern with the proposed constitutional amendment is that it goes further and could infringe on individuals' rights to contract with one another," Delacey Skinner said.

Veteran election analyst Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said he expects "big spending campaigns" on both sides of the issue. Asked if the resolution was significant, he said, "It reflects the fact that gays and lesbians are an important constituency group for the state and national Democratic Party. With the gay marriage amendment, you dance with the one that brung you."

Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, said the resolution is an important way to express views, but he sees little impact on elections and campaigns after 2006.

Some have said the resolution could harm a possible presidential bid by former Gov. Mark Warner, who will have to shore up support with conservatives.

"I don't think this discussion has one iota of any effect on Mark Warner," Deeds said. "He is his own man."

Ellen Qualls, a spokeswoman with Warner's political action committee, said she saw no political fallout from the resolution. Asked if there was any possible harm, she said, "No, because he opposes the constitutional amendment. He's in sync with the party on that."

Fred Hudson, 5th District Democratic chairman, said he believes the Democratic Party's resolution will help motivate people to explain it fully.

"I think the impact will be that the amendment will be defeated, as it should be," he said.

In March, the Republican Party's central committee passed a resolution in support of the proposed constitutional amendment on gay marriage.