Mark Warner: No Vice President Slot

HAMPTON, Va. — Former Gov. Mark R. Warner on Saturday removed himself from consideration as a vice presidential running mate for Democrat Barack Obama.

Warner clarified his intentions for the first time as he accepted the Virginia Democratic Convention's nomination for a U.S. Senate race this fall.

"I have not sought and I will not accept any other opportunity," Warner told cheering convention delegates.

He was one of three Virginia Democrats frequently mentioned as potential Obama ticketmates. Neither of the other two, Sen. Jim Webb or Gov. Tim Kaine, have ruled out a run with Obama.

"Today, in front of this convention, I wanted to make it clear what I am focused on," Warner said. Until Saturday, he had downplayed his interest but stopped short of precluding a spot on the ticket if Obama asked.

Both parties say Virginia is in play this year, and Obama has shown he intends to campaign aggressively in a state the Democrats last won in a presidential election in 1964. His first campaign swing after securing the delegates necessary for the Democratic nomination was June 5 through Virginia.

Warner, who is favored over Republican former Gov. Jim Gilmore in the Senate race. He was uncontested as the Democratic nominee for the seat Sen. John W. Warner has kept securely Republican for 30 years. The former governor and retiring senator are friends, but not related.

With no nominations to decide, Saturday's convention became a pep rally for Warner's race. He was the only Democrat to repeatedly bring the crowd of more than 2,000 to its feet.

Comments

[loax]

What is the big deal here? he is a slot with many potential nominees. I think it is refreshing that he came out to state what he intends to do up front, rather than having the committee vet him for nothing. Settle down people, there are plenty more capable candidates to choose from. What is the rush?

[outnow]

I suggest myself as Vice President.. Just as Cheney did.

[personalpolitical]

Good, he already had a good role, we need to keep him, and Webb, where they are.

[XME]

Actually, I'm a Virginian, and I really like the idea of Webb as either VP or for a cabinet post (Secretary of Defense). I never much cared for Warner as a potential VP though.

[BatedBreath]

Why didn't you like Warner for VP...not that it matters now, I guess. I just curious.

[Subway]

A very special "Happy Father's Day" to Howard Dean, the Father of 21st Century Politics.

Obama/Dean 08

Win / Win

[marinade]

Maybe Obama's biggest challenge as president would be to get the Senate Democrats on the same page. Some of them seem to think they are running the show (Lieberman, Schumer, Reid). Dean seems to be pretty good at instilling discipline.

[bigfro]

JOe Biden is the guy. He is actively playing attack dog right now for Obama. Wes made 1 comment. Biden is on theme.

Obama/Biden '08

As Ed Rendell said "That would be a perfectly balanced ticket"

[k6007]

OT-

Happy Father's Day, dads!!

[EuroRant1]

There is now some real serious talk going on about Sebelius - Gov of Kansas. The more I learn about her - the more I like and I'm not alone ... Camille Paglia, America's feminist voice, recently more thoroughly advocated the reasons why better than I could ever do here. "An Obama-Sebelius pairing would be visually vibrant and radiant, like a new day dawning."

Further reading:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/paglia/2008/06/11/hillary/

[justobserve]

How do you classify people as "VP candidate" when Obama never said anything about who would them be?

[kotexbarbie]

It will be Wesley Clark. Take it to the bank !

[jupitor]

He didn't actually turn down the spot for V.P. in the way I think they wanted this tittle to grab you! The demacrates are trying to seat more dem's and keep the ones they have in office. So, those who have seats now want to remain. To remain or win, they couldn't possibley take the V.P. spot. It's no mark on Obama, or the fact they wouldn't like that spot of V.P if it was offered to them. I don't like misleading tittles.

[Sabreen60]

You may be right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5bYzL2y7xQ

[HopeGirl]

I don't see it. I don't see any Obama Clark connection.

[Liberoservative]

This is awesome too.....
He and Obama had similar early years... and definitely share values..

http://a471.g.akamai.net/7/471/9997/v0001/clark.download.akamai.com/9997/preview/AmericanSon_med.wmv

[Gma11]

I read on another HuffPost article here that McCain wrote about his "war ideology" decades ago and boasted of several months training at a war college. Oh, would Clark make mincemeat of that!!

[OliverTwist]

Bob Lewis should take a break and report on McCain's not VP unchoices. That should keep him busy.

[idest]

The Power of Christ will compel McCain to pick Jindal....lol

[emmaspeaks]

Why would anyone vote for Warner as their senate representative if they thought he ultimately wanted to be VP? It sounds political to me.

[harriscrl3]

I wonder if Senator Clinton will take her name off the list. I didnt think that they would have pick warner I think if Obama is going with someone from Virginia he would go with Webb or Kaine. If all these people keep taking their name off only Hilary will be left.

Carol

[Underthematrix]

I predict that Sen. Bob Casey of PA will be Obama's running mate.

[inthecolour]

My psychic powers tell me that he will be Obama's VP.

I don't care what he says.

Going by my gut feeling.

[SwingVoter]

Warner was never going to be picked as V.P. because Dean and Pelosi and rest of the democratic leadership would not allow it. Why? The Senate seat he is running for is pretty much guaranteed and sealed. It's all about majority!

Joe Lieberman must go!!

[Wilbur]

Yes, Joe LIEberman MUST go.........to HADES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wilbur

[IMissAmerica]

It's doubtful that Lieberman could be elected dog catcher anymore. He used to be respected here in CT, but now most of his constituents are either totally pissed at, or just simply embarrassed by him.

[buckbuck11]

Can you recall him for treason?

[faithfully]

I hope McCain picks him for his VP-instant loss for the Repubs.

[msblynne]

Joe could maybe get a show on Fox Noise.