In every ranking of the Senate races, the open seat in Virginia always comes out on top of the heap in terms of those seats most likely to change hands. Former Gov. Mark Warner (D) practically walks on water, and maintains a consistently large lead over his opponent, former Gov. Jim Gilmore (R), as they compete for the seat currently held by retiring Republican Sen. John Warner (no relation to Mark). Beneath the confident chorus declaring Mark Warner's lead, however, there has been a faint hum of discordant worry, as Warner's name has been tossed about as a potential VP for Barack Obama. If Warner were taken out of the Senate race, our hold on that seat would be much, much more precarious, as there is no Democrat with the popularity and stature statewide to assure us of victory.
Well, I am pleased to report that we can all breathe a sigh of relief. At the State Democratic Convention in Richmond today, Mark Warner officially ruled out running for Vice President, stating that he is “110%” committed to winning the Senate seat.
That is not only good news for us this year; it also means that Democrats who have great potential but need time to build their statewide support, such as State Sen. Creigh Deeds, Delegate Brian Moran, and former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, can save up their energies for the Gubernatorial election next year, rather than worry about having to jump into the Senate race in Warner's absence.
UPDATE: The Virginia State Democratic Convention took place in Hampton Roads, not Richmond. (The Richmond Times-Dispatch article I cited above did not mention as much– h/t Johnny Longtorso).
that sucks he’s by far the best VP choice for Obama lame.
Shame, o well he’ll make a great U.S. Senator.
At this point, I’m not sure Gilmore’s mother would vote for him. Any D congressman would start at better than even money against Gilmore.
On the other hand, for all his strengths, which are many, Warner only has 4 years of experience in government, so he probably wouldn’t be picked for VP anyway.
I don’t know why it said “here”.
Also, Don Beyer is never going to run statewide again. He’s one of those people who always gets talked up, but never actually commits. He’s not a very good candidate anyway, so it’s no big loss.
If Jim Webb becomes Veep, who will take the seat? As some other posts have wisely noted, our House bench is weak. This seat could well be vulnerable, and I could definitely see Tom Davis going for it. One name I have circulated before: Chuck Robb. He has the name recognition to hold it, and could definitely be a placeholder. I know he lost in 2000 to George Allen, but it was 52-48 (or 53-47, I forgot which), and perhaps his name has had a rehabilitation since then.
I think Warner would have been an excellent choice — in all honesty, I wanted him to run for President right after Kerry lost, and still do one day — but I am glad he is staying in the Senate race.
I cant say I like any of the Congressmen for senate, hypothetically. Scott doesnt really strike me as a statewide candidate (little name recognition, etc.), Morans comments are completely offensive and I wouldnt even vote to re-elect him to congress. Boucher is way to conservative. I was thinking, what about Byrne? Bad luck for federal races lately, but she would be a good candidate. I doubt it would happen though. My guess is they would give it to some NOVA Gen. Assem. member or senator. Or the Lt. Gov.
(and that link didn’t have his exact quote- only the anonymous reporter’s paraphrases)
IF Obama somehow concluded that Warner would be his best VP pick, and that he needed him to help get VA’s 13 EV’s, and said to Mark that for the good of the party and, indeed, of the nation he needed him…
Then like… would Warner rebuff him? Doubtful…
If he wanted to go to Washington I suspect he would have challenged Dole this year. It would have been his race to lose.
if he does, I will be supporting Sen. Mark Warner all the way in 2012. I hate to look ahead that way and too much, but I just wanted to throw that out there. I have been a huge Warner fan for a long time.