Senator Warner Likely To Retire

[babylonsister]

I know, suspect source.

http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070625/METRO/106250073/1001

Mum Warner likely to move on

By Seth McLaughlin
June 25, 2007

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Virginia Sen. John W. Warner has said little about whether he will run for re-election, but the 80-year-old Republican is giving clear indications that he will not return for another term and that his coyness is merely an attempt to help Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, a fellow Republican, replace him.

"There has been considerable discussion about the possibility that might delay an announcement of candidacy, then announce he wasn't going to run, to allow Congressman Tom Davis to build up at the beginning of the campaigns, which would give Davis an advantage," said Morton C. Blackwell, chairman of the Virginia's Republican National Committee and leader of the conservative Leadership Institute.

Mr. Warner has so far offered little insight, except to say: "I am seriously considering running again for the Senate and am listening to a wide range of Virginians, from the man and woman on the street to my colleagues in the halls of Congress. I will announce my decision about the Senate race in September."

Speculation about Mr. Warner retiring increased this spring after filings with the Federal Elections Commission showed he had raised only $500 during the first quarter of the year.

Another indication was the resignation last year of Susan Magill, who was Mr. Warner's chief of staff for 18 years.

more...

[MADem]

1. Mark Warner oughta run for his seat, and pound that redfaced shitheel Davis into the mud NT

[SaveElmer]

2. Well if John Warner retires, and it is Davis - Mark Warner next year...

I don't see how this is rated anything less than leans dem...

Davis has an undeserved reputation for being a moderate Republican, but his base is Northern Virginia, and folks here know better. He way underperformed his 2004 numbers last year against a relatively underfunded candidate (Andy Hurst). Warner's base is also Northern Virginia where he is wildly popular.

In addition, Warner is known and liked throughout the state, even traditionally Republican areas, Davis is not, and will have to spend an awful lot of money simply making himself known.

And there is not a political machine in the state more effective than Mark Warner's...plus his protege Governor Kaine is doing a very good job and has very high approval numbers....

I understand why the Republicans would put up someone like Davis, try and tamp down the opposition to a hard right Republican...but I just don't see how Warner doesn't do quite well...

Assuming the story is true!

[underpants]

4. See my post below

Yes Davis can draw numbers from Nova that no other Republican can but Cantor would be central Va's pick and Rev. Pat may call in favors since he has to feel that he is not only due but Falwell is gone so Pat has the "higher ground" if you will.

This could be really fun to watch.

They just about cut each other to shreds in their primaries two weeks ago too :bounce:

[SaveElmer]

6. Yeah I didn't pay a ton of attention to the Repub primaries...

Too busy with the Democratic ones....did hear right wingers did well...

Either way I just don't see how Repubs keep the seat if Mark Warner is the Democratic candidate...can't see him doing any worse than Webb in Nova, even with Davis on the ticket...

And see him doing considerably better outside Nova...

[underpants]

3. This should be fun to watch-the Va. Republicans just had a bloodletting primary

on June 12th. The conservatives rose up and put a scare into all the establishment. The Senate majority leader Stosch barely survived.

Warner could raise all he wanted in the drop of a hat. No problem, he is basically untouchable.

The Va Republicans have a long muddled history with him. Warner got Marshall Coleman to run against Ollie North (cost Coleman his marriage) BUT he also bailed them out when they almost went bankrupt a few years ago due to the cellphone eavesdropping case (he and then Sen.Allen bailed them out so they could remain solvent) in any case they really aren't all that crazy about him.

Cantor has to think it is his turn to be a Senator but Davis will slug it out and hell Allen could jump back in let alone if Pat Robertson wants the AG or one of his other cronies put into place. This should be much fun.

Of course MARK Warner and Gov. Kaine are sitting out there awaiting whomever survives that nasty little primary.

[SaveElmer]

5. Allen said last week he wasn't gonna run in 2008...

Too busy with some kind of RW commission of some type...he claims!

[underpants]

7. Oh Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally?

(licks lips)

I understand that that is "considered" a Republican seat but nothing is permanent. As you posted above Warner can have it if he wants it (not that the old Republican guard will roll over).