NYT: After Success as Gov in GOP Stronghold, Warner Seeks Natl. Identity

[DeepModem Mom]

After Success as Governor in G.O.P. Stronghold, Democrat Seeks a National Identity
By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ
Published: December 12, 2005


ORLANDO, Dec. 11 - Propelled by his popularity at home, Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia has begun a major foray onto the national stage, raising millions of dollars for his likely presidential bid and visiting states already being courted by potential 2008 contenders.

The latest stop came in Florida this weekend at a state Democratic Party convention just outside Orlando, where Governor Warner took the opportunity to tell how he had led Democrats out of the political wilderness in heavily Republican Virginia - with the implication that he could do the same for Democrats nationally in 2008.

"Virginia is as red a state as you can imagine," Governor Warner told Democrats who packed a hotel reception room on Saturday night.

Then, describing his own formula for success, he continued: "As Democrats, what we have to do is put forward ideas and candidates that can win in places like Florida, that can win in places like Virginia."

Governor Warner's visit here comes as he and his advisers seek to capitalize on a sudden wave of attention from those active in Democratic politics around the country, who say they are excited by the prospect that a centrist Southerner could rise to the top of their leadership, as Bill Clinton did more than a decade ago....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/12/national/12warner.html?8hpib