Virginia ? Virginia Republicans will hold a convention instead of a primary to choose their candidate to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. John W. Warner, upsetting critics who say it makes the party appear closed off.

The state party’s central committee voted 47-37 on Saturday in favor of a convention. No date or location was decided.

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore and U.S. Rep. Tom Davis have expressed interest in seeking the GOP nomination. Supporters of Gilmore wanted a convention, while Davis backers had argued for a primary.

John Warner, 80, announced in August he would not seek a sixth consecutive Senate term next year. Two weeks later, Democrat Mark R. Warner – a popular multimillionaire former governor who is not related to the senator – announced his candidacy for the seat.