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

[mp2dtw]

If Obama thinks he's going to be the first Democrat to carry Virginia since Carter in 1976 (by a close margin), he's sadly mistaken. He needs a running mate with Washington experience, from a large swing-state who appeals to blue-collar voters.

I can't believe the stupidity flowing from the mouths of some of my fellow Democrats.

[sytgrl]

As someone from VA, I think he has a chance (though it will be an uphill battle). The DC metro area has always gone democrat, and that area has been expanding as more people begin to communte from western VA and VA. Then you've got the stream of college towns going down the 95 corridor, most of whom are progressive. The key constituency may be the military families. If they go anti-Iraq, he may have a chance. He will probably struggle, though, with the SW part of the state.

[idest]

Luckily for us, the SW part of the state is also the most sparsely populated.

It'll be close, but I think the Democratic turnout in NOVA is going to overpower a low turnout for Republicans elsewhere.

[jacqmac]

I fail to see what having military experience has to do with the Vice Presidential spot at all. I can't think of many veeps in the last 40 years that have had military experience. However, since Wesley Clark opened up the anti-Iraq war dialog a few years before it was 'fashionable', I think that his foreign policy experience OVER and ABOVE his military credentials would do well to put a cork in the argument, from BOTH sides, that Obama doesn't know what he's doing regarding the military or foreign policy. Remember AGAIN folks, that the VICE PRESIDENT IS the President of the Senate and thus does have a certain amount of power, depending on the majority/minority in place in that body. He/she doesn't VOTE, except in the event of a tie, but lately-there haven't even been enough CLOSE votes in the Senate!

I'm with the posters that say "Let's REMEMBER that NOTHING can get done to CHANGE anything unless there is an ABSOLUTE BULLET PROOF DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY in BOTH House AND Senate. Therefore, my Texas 'gimme cap' is OFF to Mark Warner and his decision to run for Senator.

[MandyW]

Seems like a sensible move by Warner. For Obama to ACCOMPLISH anything (not just sit around while the Marine band plays "Hail to the Chief"), getting himself elected is not enough. He also needs a Congress that is more supportive of his goals.

Warner has a very good shot to win the Virginia Senate seat that is opening up with the retirement of Republican John Warner, since he seems lot more popular than his Republican opponent, ex-Governor Jim Gilmore. However, Virginia is still a fairly Republican state. If Warner withdrew to run for VP, it's unlikely that the Democrats could find a replacement candidate who could win, especially with such a late start for campaignin­g..

Even if Warner weren't tapped for VP, his ability to campaign effectively would be significantly diminished if for the next few months the media constantly pestered him with questions about his VP chances. Also, it would plant the idea in many voters minds that Warner is only running for the Senate as a stepping stone to higher office, and might be just enough to let Gilmore (a real brainless twit) eke out a win. Therefore, it makes sense to formally declare himself out of the race and avoid that distractio­n..

Actually, probably none of the Virginians being mentioned as possible VPs -- currrent Governor Kaine, former Governor Warner and current Senator Webb -- are good strategic choices. Although they are definitely Presidential material, the seat vacated would almost certainly be turned over to a Republican.

[LaFilleEnRose]

And let's not forget that he did the same thing re running himself for prez. He hinted he might and then dramatically pulled out.

[LeftLeanWing]

.

He wrongly assumed that he didn't have a chance against the Clinton Machine.

[outnow]

Warner equals business. Any questions?

[PAposter]

...another­? Who are the others?

[4wehttam]

Ted Strickland took his name off the list as well, but that is the only other person I know of.

[PAposter]

Thanks, what was his reason, not that I want him, LOL!

[Viper]

The Governor of Kansas took her name off also.

Regards

[pupbayer]

Ted Strickland of Ohio for one

[BEHM777]

No surprise here. Mark Warner has his eye on being POTUS one day, maybe 2016 or 2020. I believe he figures the Senate experience will help. Besides, we need the seat that he is going to win in VA.

[genia]

Well Doh !! If he wants to be POTUS why ..wouldn't­..he accept VP ?

[sparkandy]

A lot of reasons, probably. If Obama's not elected, he'd have wasted his time. If Obama is elected and turns out to be a not so great President, he'd have ruined himself politically. And the winner is - we can't afford to take the chance that a Republican would get his vacated seat.

[outnow]

Not to be subordinated to a black guy?

[AlexandriaCynic]

The article isn't quite true. Governor Tim Kaine, Senator Jim Webb and candidate for governor Bryan Moran also brought the crowd to its feet numerous times. So did several congressional candidates. Warner was the star, but Bryan Moran wasn't far behind. You had to be there...

[Jezreel]

You're right.

[idest]

Hey! A fellow Alexandrian! Whaddup?

Is that Bryan Moran any relation to my representative, and one of my favorite pols, Jim Moran? If so, he's got my vote.

[conniedogs]

Something tells me he would have a few problems getting through the vetting process. it's best he sticks to running for Senator.

[AdamND]

Why is that? some people on other blogs has hinted at that but have not backed up what they said.

[buckbuck11]

Nice example of unsubstantiated innuendo..­.pulled directly out-u-end-o.

[conniedogs]

I didn't accuse him of anything. I never gave any specifics. No innuendos.­.....I guess you can't help yourself from wanting to be heard.

[smoo]

I'm sure that once people learn what the vetting process is about and what it will uncover, quit a few people will reconsider. Particularly considering that HRC's camp, not HRC her self, but McAul... and Ikes.. are probably watching like vultures to make sure that they in some way stay relevant. HRC herself I believe is cool with this. I am sure that she has gotten plenty of rest and may be a little relieved.

Nonetheless, you may be right. My favorite was Rendell and then Webb, but I here the Byah is very much like Gore, his farther was a very popular and decent sentor so he has grown through the ranks very cautiously, thus he will sail through vetting plus he is of the new brand of politicians like Obama and others, and his temperament is great for the role.

Face it there are a few new-wave politicians out there and I am so happy to see that now this guys and gals will have a chance to move us into the 21st century with 21st century ideas

[GuyFawkes]

I'm thinking Warner has an aversion to the big spotlight. He was mentioned as a leading prez candidate, then decided not to run. Some people aren't ready for the scrutiny of the big spotlight.

But just remember: Everyone says they're not going to be the VP. Right before they accept the VP slot.

[crossoverwriter]

I am still patial to Webb.
He has the military experience, the smarts, the centrist viewpoint, and he's funny.

[kevenseven]

And he is a pit bull. You don't want to cross Jim.

Remember John Edwards' deer-in-th­e-headligh­ts shtick against Cheney?

[McChimp]

I'm in Virginia and I can tell you we need Jim Webb to stay where he is in the Senate.

I'm also glad that Mark Warner turned down the VP nod, he needs to win the Senate seat here and help turn our state blue for Obama.

Plus an Obama-Webb ticket would be not only a two Senator ticket, but a two freshman Senator ticket, and we saw how Kerry-Edwards lost in 2004.

Obama needs a Governor for VP, and Kathleen Sebelius fits the bill, because she is very experienced, likeable, and has high approval ratings in Kansas. Plus she is finishing her last term as Governor, what better way to go out than to be Obama's VP and help bring change to the nation?

[jsinclair]

My hunch is they're doing careful vetting.

There's no way Hillary's finances are going to make the cut. Speaking of which, where IS she?

And where's Al Gore? I'm annoyed he hasn't made an enthusiastic endorsement yet. He's still an American, right? Just because he's got a Nobel Prize doesn't mean he should sit out the most important election of our lifetime.

[crossoverwriter]

Yeah, what's with Gore?!
He should have come out strong for Obama by now!

[mistlesuede]

As he always states, "He has fallen out of love with politics." I am sure that he feels his stature in the party does not rise to the level we all wish it did. So many people just make cruel jokes about him and he doesn't need that.
I am sure that he has played a major role in the Silicon Valley financial support and networking for Obama. He knows he is invaluable behind the scenes. Hell, he helped wipe out the Clinton dynasty. He doesn't need to prove anything publicly.

[MandyW]

Strange as it seems, most normal folks (as opposite to the political junkies who hang out here) don't pay close attention to the election until after Labor Day. An endorsement (and/or campaigning) by Gore would probably do the most good after the convention, not now.

[eladora]

timing. he will come out when the republicans are at their strongest.

[kittyma]

I understand why Al Gore and Nancy Pelosi and Donna Brazille have not yet endorsed. There is still a convention and you don't know what nonsense people will try. It is important to have senior people who have not endorsed anyone. Obama does not need endorsments now. The party may however need neutrals who are senior .

[pupbayer]

Pelosi and Brazile are obviously Obama fans. Gore has said absolutely nothing. Hopefully he will be the leading force. Pelosi and Brazile couldn't lead their way out of a paper bag.

[Countdown09]

Al Gore has moved on, he's been there done that (VP) he's made a name for himself and well respected, a VP position for him at this point in is career would be a demotion.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

Has it ever occurred to any of you that perhaps Al Gore and some of the other folks described as MIA maybe just don't believe that Obama is best for the job. Just because they are Dems does NOT mean that they have to support him. Period. A LOT of Dems are a lot more conservative than he is, and may just not agree with his policy positions.

[idest]

But I bet his views are a whole lot closer to any other Dems' views than McCain's, no?

SO why wouldn't they support him again?

[windwalker1984]

Maybe she's laying low because the story is out in the tabloid news that Billo's current love interest (a neighbor to their NY home) dumped him for cheating while he has on the campaign trail, i.e. the mistress dumped him for cheating on the mistress.

There's just too much baggage with those 2 for her to be the VP candidate, especially in this election as the Repubs will definitely go negative -- soon. It's all they have as their candidate is weak.

[ladeyday]

This is fine. If W arner can be added as another Senator, all the better & more important. There are many more possible VPs but turning VA towards the light is better

[awcbuddy8]

We'll still elect a republican in the general election.

Warner is fine. He's a republican in every aspect almost except taxes.

[rooks]

Who is the we you speak of? And when you say republican also include he is a warmonger that can't remember what side of which issue he was yesterday. Scary. This is not 2000 anymore btw.

[McChimp]

I'm in Virgina and can say that Mark Warner is a Democrat.

And if you're referring to McFake as the republcan that "We", being you and the 27% of you in the minority, there's no chance in hell he'll win, at least 50% of Republicans hate him.

[bobsmith]

Mark Warner is a card-carrying DLC enthusiast. In other words, he's Republican-lite. That he was even on the VP list is a bad omen.

[kellygrrrl]

Thank Gawd 0bama and his team are smart enough
to know not to pull any senators or governors from states
where we are not sure to replace a vacancy with a Dem

[NTO08]

People jumping ship before it flounders.­..

[ladeyday]

You misread, he's turning down VP for The Big O, not McPlayer (who's ship is indeed almost at bottom)

[rosal]

Too bad the other two ships already sunk

[lbrillante]

I think the point here is that he can win the senate seat and he should. There is the concern about pulling a senator from the senate majority. The senate hopes to significantly increase its majority. They really need to be able to toss out Joe Lieberman if he continues to be such a moron.

[MandyW]

Amen! Does anybody think that Lieberman is interested in anything other than gaining maximum publicity and power for himself? The sooner the Dems are in a position to strip him of every Senate privilege, the better.

[1PALady]

I think some Democrats are doing the Rethugs dirty work for them.

[dsgeorge]

keep the big picture in mind. Barack will be president and he needs a fillabuster proof majority to be able to get things done. We need 2 Dem senators in VA to add to the growing list of enlightened Americans.­.......AND PS........­.REMEMBER ..........­.... SUPREME COURT

[naschkatze]

We have 51 right now so that would mean we would need to win 9 seats in November. That's a pretty tall order, and most estimates I have seen show us picking up 5 or 6. And then we really need 10 so we can kick Lieberman out of the caucus. So we need to get every Senate seat possible, and two from Virginia would be great.

Besides, the street wisdom is that Obama needs to pick up someone strong on national security. Let's keep our govs wherever they are, keep and pick up more senators, and maybe have a retired military person as veep, Clark or Jones.