Warner takes himself out of Obama's VP mix; accepts nomination for U.S. Senate

[DeepModem Mom]

Source: CNN/AP

HAMPTON, Virginia (AP) — Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner has taken himself out of the mix as a possible running mate for Barack Obama. He has accepted the Virginia Democratic party's nomination for U.S. Senate.

Warner made his announcement at the state Democratic Convention in Hampton today after accepting the nomination. Warner said he had "not sought" and would "not accept any other opportunity."

He had been among three Virginians frequently mentioned as potential running mates for Obama. The others are Senator Jim Webb and Warner's successor, Governor Tim Kaine.

Warner will be running against another former governor. Jim Gilmore is the Republican nominee. Warner and Gilmore hope to succeed Republican Senator John Warner.

Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/14/warner-takes-himself-out-of-obamas-vp-mix/

[saltpoint]

1. He would have made a fine vice president, but he will also make a terrific

U.S. Senator.

I like what's happening in Virginia lately.

[jobycom]

2. The media doesn't wander far from DC, do they? Warner, Webb, Kaine, Allen

Wasn't Allen the next Reagan before his racist comments proving he really was the next Reagan?

You think maybe the media around DC needs to range further afield for their stories?

[CanonRay]

3. Good, I'd rather have the Senate seat.

Though he would have been a good VP

[Matteon]

4. Candidates

I still like Richardson as a candidate, but he is certainly not the only one.

I don't like Edwards as a candidate. Dude, give it up already.

I agree that I like what's happening with the politcal landscape in Virginia. A candidate from Va could be a good move.

I read somewhere that Gov. Rendell from Pa. was a possibility and I almost threw up in my mouth.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. He'd be a good addition to the Senate

I wish him luck.

[Laughing Mirror]

6. So that narrows it down to ...

Gov Kaine? If they want to keep Webb in the Senate, and where else would Kaine go when his gig as one-term VA governor is up? With Kaine as VP, Virginia will surely vote Democratic. And Virginia seems to be the prize state for Democrats to assure a win this election.

[usaftmo]

7. It's a great time to be a Virginia resident!

Stationed in Mississippi (not by choice).

Perhaps this will be the second "Virginia Dynasty" (ancient history-check).

[DeepModem Mom]

8. Virginia is looking mighty fine! nt

[earthlover]

9. Warner is very popular in VA...will probably win his Senate seat with 60%+ of vote

One thing I don't hear much talk about is that Warner is going to have "reverse coat-tails", ie, Warner on the ballot will definately help Obama....regardless of VP.

If you are going to make a choice of VP based on states pulled, this would be an arguement against Kaine or Webb....ie....Warner is already going to help Obama, better to pick someone from another state we need help in.

I do like Webb as a choice, but I keep coming back to Wes Clark as the most logical pick. Not so much because of states, but because he would give us strength in national security and prevent McCain from winning on that issue.

I think Obama will win VA. With Warner on the ballot, add the demographics shifting more to Northern Va, and add an increase in AA vote, I think we have an excellent chance of making 08 the third straight state-wide election to go blue!