Gov. Ed Rendell, hailed by gay and lesbian political activists as one of their strongest political supporters, urged them yesterday to defeat opponents such as U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum but to do so with the same sort of tolerance they expect.

"We're fighting for dignity and fairness and understanding, and as we fight, we have to demonstrate that same dignity and fairness and understanding," the governor told about 75 attendees at the National Stonewall Democrats convention.

Members of the gay rights movement from around the country took part in the three-day conference in Pittsburgh over the weekend to discuss political issues.

While they support Mr. Rendell's re-election as governor, based in part on his decision to approve same-sex benefits for Philadelphia city employees when he was mayor, many of the movement's members believe the biggest 2006 goal locally and nationally is defeat of Mr. Santorum.

The Republican senator, facing a re-election challenge from Pennsylvania Treasurer Bob Casey, has been one of the most outspoken national critics of same-sex marriages and other efforts to broaden homosexual rights.

Mr. Rendell did not specifically criticize Mr. Santorum in his remarks, which were loudly cheered, but he noted the gay movement had better work passionately to get every one of its members to vote in November.

"You don't think there are people who are fanatical out there about saving Rick Santorum? I guarantee you there are," Mr. Rendell said.

He said he feels his own background offers proof to politicians that they need not fear backlash for their support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender causes. After he championed same-sex benefits as mayor, he said, Philadelphia's Catholic diocese organized a campaign to flood his office with cards of protest, yet he won re-election with 81 percent of the vote.

"I tell young people running for office, 'Don't have any fear,' " Mr. Rendell said. "People aren't one-issue voters, even if they believe you're wrong. ... Most people look at the totality of what you've done."

He said the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Legislature has passed no bills limiting gay rights during his tenure, though many have been introduced, because he makes clear to GOP leaders that he would veto any attempts.

The governor credited the gay rights community in Pennsylvania with building its influence year by year, registering more voters and working harder to support candidates aligned with their issues.

"They're a politically active community that can really produce turnout, and if turnout is good, I think in a close election it can be the margin of victory," Mr. Rendell said after his presentation.

Renee Gillinger, state director of Liberty PA, a political organization supported financially by Mr. Rendell since its creation in 2004, said the group will target information about the fall campaign to an estimated 300,000 or more potential Pennsylvania voters with non-heterosexual orientations.

While convention attendees from other states were "fired up" about the national effort to defeat Mr. Santorum, she said Liberty PA will be similarly determined to re-elect Mr. Rendell, who is running against Republican nominee Lynn Swann.