RICHMOND
The decision by Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign to make former Gov. Mark Warner a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention this month further solidifies the Virginian as a rising star, political analysts said Wednesday.
"This is not about the Senate race. The Senate race has gone to bed," University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said about Warner's run against another former Virginia governor, Republican Jim Gilmore, for a U.S. Senate seat.
"This is about Mark Warner's future as a leader in the Senate, potentially helping a President Obama to get his programs passed," Sabato said.
Obama's staff announced Wednesday that Warner will speak on the night of Aug. 26 at the convention in Denver.
Earlier this week, the Obama campaign said Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton also is to speak the same night as a "headline prime-time speaker."
The campaign has not made public its official lineup for the convention, which runs Aug. 25-28.
An Obama campaign statement about Warner's speech touted his fiscal stewardship as governor, highlighting the Virginian's creation of "jobs in Southwest and Southside Virginia."
Warner, 54, has had success with Democrats in those regions, a voting bloc Obama did not do well with during his Virginia primary election victory in February.
Warner said Wednesday that he is asking those voters to give Obama a chance "to do something good for this country."
Warner's selection is a reminder that Democrats think Virginia can be moved from the red to blue column this November. The state last supported a Democrat for president in 1964 when Lyndon B. Johnson, a native Texan, was elected.
Over the years, the keynote address and other prime convention speaking slots have propelled political careers. Obama is proof, having delivered a keynote address at the party's 2004 convention in Boston.
The task is not without pressure, however.
The Gilmore campaign's reaction Wednesday was to try to give Warner some anxiety.
"Mark Warner doesn't exactly have a reputation as a great orator," said Ana M. Gamonal, a Gilmore spokeswoman who questioned how Warner's message will play with "hard-line party leaders."
Warner conceded that "the bar's been set pretty high from four years ago," referring to Obama's 2004 convention speech. The former governor said he expects to talk of "real results" he delivered in Virginia.
Warner succeeded Gilmore as governor in 2002, when the state faced a $3.8 billion revenue shortfall. To help balance the budget and fund core services, Warner in 2004 persuaded the Republican-controlled legislature to pass a $1.5 billion tax increase.
Earlier in this election cycle, Warner was mentioned as a potential presidential contender and a vice presidential candidate. He later removed himself from any consideration this year.
In Warner, Democratic elders see a formula for the party's future success in some Southern border states, a pragmatist with a "business orientation, as opposed to sort of a social activist orientation," said Quentin Kidd, Christopher Newport University political science professor.
Kidd and Sabato said the Warner announcement might also signal that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will not receive the vice presidential nomination. Kaine, who succeeded Warner as governor, has been mentioned as a possibility for the second spot on the ticket.
Obama is expected to announce his running mate before the convention begins. Kaine will attend the convention, but his schedule has not been finalized, said Charlie Kelly, executive director of the governor's political action committee, Moving Virginia Forward.
Another Virginia Democrat who might secure a convention speaking slot is U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. A Webb aide said Wednesday that the senator is in talks with organizers about a convention speaking engagement.
Staff writer Dale Eisman contributed to this report.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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Social services
Socail services here in Norfolk needs a complete investigation, that I'll give you. It does happen that some people get entitlements that they don't deserve, that's I'll give you. A "bleeding heart", well, you can have that one also, it doesn't bother me at all. But what I won't give you is your knowledge of what goes on in this country. You DO NOT have a clue. So sit back in your comfortable easy chair and gloat about how comfortable you are and forget all about the rest of humanity, not that you ever gave them a thought to begin with. I'm glad you got a good laugh, it too is just part of the "disease". You make my day, because you make me feel better about myself, but I truly feel sorry for you, and those like you. Good Luck!
Both of you...
Gertz, Oprah? Can I laugh any harder because my sides now hurt about this so called "disease" which is a pathetic disguise for me paying for lame irresponsible slugs. That whole diatribe sounds like a bleeding heart Sally Struthers save the world argument that we all know is unrealistic. If you can figure out a way to cut the massive fraud out of the welfare/social system, I can handle helping the truely destitute that deserve help.
Wayne, my comments are not race based so get over it.
CB Needs a Paradigm Shift
I get the impression that you have had very limited exposure to minority cultures, and that you accept the stereotypes of earlier generations. I have had the good fortune of witnessing many African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic-American high school students graduate at the top of their class and go on to attend the best colleges and universities in this country. Heck, one of them may be your surgeon some day. When I look into the faces of these young people and when I think about the choice that you and I must make this November they deserve more from us than to vote against someone based on unfounded fear.
You are not alone with your disease
You are not alone with the disease you any many others have of being ill informed. You can only see people on welfare, but you have no knowledge of the poverty that stretches across these United States, and the sadder part is you don't care, because you support your family, have health care for you and your famuily so the hell with anyone else. It's a sad diease equal to being deaf, dumb and blind. In addition you and the rest who are stricken with this illness will continue to divide this country, but then again that's become the Republican way. It's to bad you didn't see the Oprah show today, but then, what the heck does she know? Trust me, she knows more than you every will, or care to.
Wayne...
Having health insurance is only part of the overall picture. Elitist? Hah! A vast majority of uninsured children are from single mothers that live on public assistance that can not afford themselves and then have 2, 3 or more children that none have the same last name. On top of that a good number have better cars, cell phones and TV than I do. The remainder of uninsured are mostly people that don't want it (20 somethings) and illegal aliens. Yes there is a small percentage of honest people that lost jobs or otherwise. You cannot "fix" a system that "robs" from the worker or successful to pay for the illegal or irresponsible. It is NOT free so who pays for it? Under englands system, I would have to pay over 12G a year just for medical and that doesn't even include the $6 a gallon gas taxes. How is that fair? You want universal health? EVERYONE pays the same, no exceptions.
republicans claim
Republicans claim to be to be such big Christinas, but when it comes to looking at the big picture that we are all American and need to stick together so we can unite this country, they turn a blind eye. Makes you wonder about their Christian beliefs.
Idle Do Nothings? Really, CB?
I suppose you mean ALL Democrats who believe in trying to make America a better place for everyone. I have worked hard all of my life and have risen up the latter, but I do not understand why you would think that someone having health insurance would mean that a "lowly" (elitist point of view) gas station attendant would enjoy the same lifestyle as a "more worthwhile" (elitist point of view) computer scientist. Remember, your logic doesn't hold water when you start comparing the value to society of professional athletes with teachers, firemen, policemen and the like. Give up your fears and do the right thing for America! Can't you see that we are on a self-destructive path with these neo-cons and their fear-spreading lies?
Blah, blah, blah...
We get what we plan for, prepare for, budget for and can afford. We achieve through the notion that we can better our lives through hard work, education, and intiative. We do not achieve when the drive through attendant insists on having the same lifestyle as a computer scientist. Sorry but no reward for hard work makes hard work meaningless. Socialist and communist countries average person lives in squaller. As one poster exclaimed, yes we are part socialist at this time but I am hell bent on not letting it expand ANY further. I am sick of paying through the nose for idle do nothings. NO NO NObama in 08 especially with BroomHillary.
You are a republican therefore
you believe in big business, including shipping millions of jobs abroad, you favor war, even when it cost us billions bombing the heck out of a country and then turning around and spending billions more of our tax dollars re-building that same country, you are in favor of corporate welfare to oil companies, you believe in "cuts, which is the republican word for taxes, and your biggest problem is you believe in "self". Until people like you understand the American people are all in this together this country will never be united, and we will continue to experience the mess we are currently in from that most wonderful president of all times, George Bush and his co-harts. I fundamentally believe that a service station attendant should have the same health care as the CEO of that company, you on the other hand, will tout you have health care and the hell with everyone else.
We Have a Mixed Socio-Capitalist Economy
I hate to break the news to the righties, but we do not have a purely capitalistic economy. We have not had completely free markets since the Republican Trust Buster Teddy Roosevelt was president.
Please STOP playing the let's get everyone worked up over socialism card. It just shows how ignorant some folks are. Believe it or not I have busted my hump for all of my adult life (50+) and I am more upset with coprporate welfare than I am with someone buying a six-pack of beer with food stamps. Your arguements are very old and tired, and pretty soon we will shed ourselves of our fears and elect an African-American President and a female (Go Hillary!) Vice-President! Sleep tight, righties!
Socialism response...
"People have become so selfish they only think about themsleves. Until this country decides to unite we will continue down the same path." To protect ones livelihood from the bonds of socialism does not in any way become "selfish". Slacker, entitlement minded, live off of the taxpayer goons are NOT entitled to my hard earned pay just because they exist. Honest people that try, but need a temporary hand, get my assistance but I have no time for the all encompassing "united" socialist front that some desire. We all know that incentive and productivity are severly hampered by socialism and that is why it failed time and again. We do not need to try again a proven failure.
Should Fit In Well
With that conceited and arrogant look on his face Warner should fit in very well with the Pelosi and Reid crowd while in Denver. The same bunch who are promising not to raise taxes fro the under $200,000 crowd of which there are only 2% tax payers making over that amount in this country, which means to me as it did during Warner's term as governor to standby lower than $200,000, you purses will be milked too.
yea whatever!
you know all this time i blamed gilmore for the car tax and it's gradual repeal back into our lives and wallets,only to find that this fool was the culprit,now i'm not saying gilmore is a saint but,hell it just proved to me warner is liar just like the rest.it kills me to see just how far the libs in DC.will go to try making this state an ever state of blueness,if you could call it that,northern libs butting there pathetic,business into southern culture,go and stay where you belong.i have just about had enough of the two party system,545 people running the rest of americas,as if we could'nt do ourselves.warner i will not vote for you when the senate race comes up,i thought i had a bit of respect for you,but how i was wrong!this my fellow citizens,is the end result of many decades of bad politics,politicans,the complacent voter,the non voter,the special interest groups,lies,and deceit from DC.n
Together
Warner, Kaine and Obama = The Three Stooges!
Different Election, Same old fear mongering
Every election we have the same fear mongerers come out of the woodwork: "Don't elect the democrat! We'll have socialism/communism!" "Don't elect the Republican! We'll have fascism run amok!" Decade after decade the Chicken Littles keep coming out of the woodwork to scream about the sky falling - and the sky doesn't fall. As Will Rogers once said 'Time has proven one thing, and that is you can't ruin this country even with politics.'
Warner is far more qualified than Obama
...or McCain, to be the next POTUS.
Nevertheless, the Congress will surely stay in the Democrats hands. Therefore, the best the American people can hope for is a split government. That way, neither party will have enough power to screw things up any more than they already have.
On the other hand, politicians always figure out a way to screw things up.
that's what's wrong with this county
"I work very hard for my lifestyle and I am not in ANY mood to give it all away to slackers."
People have become so selfish they only think about themsleves. Until this country decides to unite we will continue down the same path. We all work hard! It's interesting though how we can spend billions of dollars bombing the heck out of a country and then turn around and spend billions more re-building it, and that seems to be OK, but helping our own people.... well tuff!
Dogpen
do you mean the unconstitutional transportation package THE REPUBLICANS passed?
Socialism?
"People who don't want socialism are selfish in the fact all they are concerned about is themselves."
I don't consider myself selfish - I consider myself as someone who has put forth the blood, sweat, and tears to provide a decent standard of living for my family. The Constitution isn't a socialist document, It merely says that the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed. Too many people today expect the government to hand them everything and do it on the backs of people like myself who have worked hard for everything I have. Look at your taxes now and what they will be after an Obama and 60 seat majority senate victory (which I hope doesn't happen) and see if that's the change you desire. Of course, those that don't pay taxes and have their hands out will love him and those like him.
Au contraire Gertz..
This country will get by without Socialism. EVERY country that has tried it has FAILED. Can we all get over this notion that just because someone breathes, they deserve the american dream. I work very hard for my lifestyle and I am not in ANY mood to give it all away to slackers. Anyone that thinks that way can take their behind to Cuba and see what they get in the socialist world. Gertz can lead the way!!!
A mediocre governor
A mediocre governor introducing an unqualified presidential candidate. Things are going to be really bad with Warner in the Senate, Lieutenant Dan in the other seat, and Obama in the White House. People think things are bad now? Just wait.
Sorry Righties, Virginia is Turning Blue
Righties will be soon looking over their shoulder for the big bad liberal boogie man. For all of their hatred and misinformation about liberals, they are still going to lose the Old Dominion.
I can't wait for eight years of Obama followed by eight more of President Mark Warner. Happy days are here again!
Polls, polls and more polls
There's only one real poll. This year it's November 4th.
It's good news!
At least he'll be out of Virginia for a few days. He is very over-rated and untested.
johnh
"That there's an American alive that would support Obumma !!! And no, I'm not saying that because he's black....I just don't want to be blinded sided by a terrorist attack 6 months after he takes office !!!"
I'm not an Obama fan, but honestly, just why do you think there would be ANOTHER terrorist attack 6 months or years after he takes office? Remember the 911 attack was on Bush's watch.
Blah, blah, blah
Obama 47%
McCain 41%
It's Absurd
The country isn't safe under Obama because he will appoint Britney Spears and Paris Hilton to his cabinet. It's not official but they're all pop stars & usually those types flock together. A big shout-out to the McCain campaign for bringing this to our attention. McCain, on the other hand, was a war hero so, by default, he's the better leader of the two. He'll actually end all taxes & institute a 'free gas and guns' grassroots campaign while eliminating terrorists worldwide. Get the facts.
Warner is far more qualified than Obama.
...or McCain, to be the next POTUS.
Nevertheless, the Congress will surely stay in the Democrats hands. Therefore, the best the American people can hope for is a split government. That way, neither party will have enough power to screw things up any more than they already have.
On the other hand, politicians always figure out a way to screw things up.
Warner looks a lot like John Edwards
The resemblance is striking.
Warner in the past
Warner vetoed a law that would deny in state tuition to illegals. Socialism - what if your child had all A's and could get into the best college because of those grades. Another student has only C's and D's and cannot get into college. Would it be OK with you that your child's' A's get averaged with the poorer student so they are both on level ground for college with B's and C's. Maybe the state should send other children's tuition bills to your house even though you struggle your own child's. This is one example of socialism - Take and give - give to those that work for it and try to do their best - but runaway social programs as NOBAMA promotes - NOT!! Hey what about you paying for the illegals food, housing and medical at a time when you struggle tpo provide the best for your own family.