And some conservatives have said that while the Governor may favor abortion rights, he need not be so outspoken about it.

The Governor favors a new system that relies more on local initiatives and eliminates overlapping programs.

The Governor and the Mayor, along with other politicians and civic groups, favor public financing linked to restrictions on private contributions.

Mr. Klar at the sports store suggested that the Governor had favored Albany.

In particular, the Governor favors abortion rights, the ultimate ideological litmus test for many conservatives.

Mr. Pataki's aides declined to say whether the Governor favored a ban.

The Governor and the Republican majority in the State Senate also favor keeping them.

The Governor also favors a new law requiring companies to adopt environmental accident-prevention programs and another setting national standards to reduce toxic emissions.

In New Jersey, legislative leaders, as well as the new Governor, Jim Florio, strongly favor abortion rights.

Karen Hughes, Mr. Bush's communications director, explained that the Governor did not favor town meetings.