"Some chemistry is going on here," exulted Richard Nixon before 450 cheer ing Republicans at a $25-a-plate dinner in Arlington last week. "Something new and exciting is happening in Virginia." At which Nixon turned to the principal chemist, A. (for Abner) Linwood Hoiton, 42, a Harvard-trained lawyer with Spencer Tracy (circa 1940) looks and Lyndonesque vitality.
What has happened in Virginia is that Holton, rallying the state G.O.P. from long hibernation, is making a spirited attempt to take over the governorship from Democrat Albertis S. Harrison Jr., who is barred by state...