Warner's Fundraising Raises Eyebrows

[LiberalFighter]

Source: Washington Post

Subtitle: Speculation He Won't Seek Reelection Fueled by Report of $500 in Contributions

RICHMOND, April 12 -- U.S. Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) reported Thursday that he has raised only $500 in campaign contributions during the first three months of the year, fueling speculation that he may not seek a sixth term next year.

If Warner retires, Virginia could again become a key battleground in the fight to control the Senate as Republicans would be forced to hold on to a Senate seat they've had since 1979. Democrats control the Senate 51 to 49.

Warner, 80, has been coy about his political future in recent interviews, saying he would like to continue to serve but will ultimately do what he thinks is "best for Virginia." Among the candidates likely to be interested in succeeding Warner is Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.). On the Democratic side, national party leaders are talking to former Gov. Mark R. Warner.

Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/12/AR2007041202122.html?hpid=topnews

[Warpy]

1. There needs to be a retirement age in there somewhere

so we don't have more spectacles like that of Thurmond being practically carried in and out and attendants at his side at all moments to do his voting for him. Enough is enough.

It sounds like Warner is getting the message that his time has come.

[rpannier]

5. And the retirment age would be what?

Considering Byrd will be in his 90's when his term is up.

[Warpy]

6. And how well is he doing?

He can still deliver a speech, but his sight and hearing are diminishing and his central nervous system is slowing down. These are facts of aging not particular to Byrd.

I imagine most of what we see from his office is the work of his staff, not of the Senator.

I'd like to see 80 as the retirement age for Congress and for the USSC.

Yes, there will be some losses as some men only hit their stride as far as wisdom goes in their 70s.

Still, Thrumond's spectre still haunts the Senate.

[JI7]

2. does he need to raise much money ?

my assumption is that he is pretty much a safe seat Senator.

it could be that he just isn't sure of what to do also.

[rpannier]

4. From everything I've seen and read

his positives in VA are very high -- across party lines.
He's one of the last of the old guard Republicans.
I don't think he needs to raise any money -- his 'war chest' is fairly sizeable.

At this point, I think he is weighing the 'pros' and 'cons' of staying.
He may decide the republikkans can't retake the Senate, so it would be futile to serve another 6 years.

He will probably watch and see what the political landscape holds and then decide from there.

For those hoping he leaves, just remember former Sen Allen could stage a return.

The Democratic Party in Virginia needs to find a strong candidate that's willing to run for that seat with or without Warner as the republikkan nominee.

This nonsense of ceding a state (or district)because we 'can't win it' has really got to stop.

[underpants]

7. Warner can raise all the money he needs in about a week

if it takes that long

I agree about not giving up a state but Warner would be hard to beat (MARK Warner could possibly) but as far as money goes John knows where it is readily available.

Pay no attention to this article.

[Mike Daniels]

8. A lot of Democrats voted for John Warner in his last election

in part as a way of showing appreciation for his efforts in keeping Oliver North out of the Senate.

I know Warner fought for and got an open primary that election cycle because he was under so much fire from the Republicans that particular year. Even though Warner was going to be the tougher opponent in the general election there was a good amount of crossover voting to give him the nomination.

[babylonsister]

3. I can't imagine why he'd want to pack it in.

:sarcasm: What is there to stay for?