Posted on 08/07/2005 12:36:17 PM PDT by RWR8189
RICHMOND There was Democrat Mark Warner, all teeth, smiling grandly. And next to him stood Republican George Allen, ruddy-faced and grinning, too. Surrounded by reporters at the Richmond Marriott hotel last month, the pair might have been taken for best buddies as they celebrated the success of Virginia's tough school standards.
Allen, Virginia's junior senator, slapped his arm around Warner's shoulders and sang the governor's praises: "We may be in different parties," he said as Warner nodded, "but it's great, actually, for Virginians to know there is that commonality there."
Well, sure, but how deep does it go? Picture, now, fast-forwarding three years. It's 2008. National Republicans decide to nominate tobacco-chewing, bolo-tie-wearing Allen, a pro-lifer who spouts endless sports analogies, for president. Democrats, meanwhile, pick big-bucks, high-tech, NASCAR-loving Warner to compete for the nation's highest elected office. Suddenly, the two back-slapping Virginia pols are locked in a do-or-die battle for the presidency -- and the Old Dominion, with its 13 electoral votes, is at the center of the battle.
Sound crazy? Okay, full disclosure: That scenario may turn out to be nothing more than the wishful imaginings of Virginia's small corps of political reporters, professional pundits and campaign consultants.
And yet, an increasing number of national political pros who owe no allegiance to the commonwealth are offering the two politicians' names as leading candidates for the nominations of their respective parties. In April, the National Journal named Allen as the most likely GOP nominee, while more recently, Wall Street Journal columnist Stephen Moore conceded that some believe Warner is "the [Democratic] party's strongest conceivable general election candidate."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
"When you go to the polls next Tuesday and see Warner on the ballot, think of me and who I endorse....
George Allen."
> ... NASCAR-loving Warner ...
So the WP is launching trial balloons for the DNC?
(not like that's anything new for them)
NASCAR. Yup that's the ticket. Get Hillary's generous
butt out to the nearest track pronto.
One way or another, Hillary WILL be the Democratic nominee in 2008. And I wouldn't want to be a rival getting in her way. Advice to Mark Warner: no late-night walks in the park!
Right now, George Allen is my favorite.
If he is on the VP ticket, can he "self-fund" part of her campaign? He is reported to be worth approximately $200 million.
I wouldn't put it past the Clintons to put together a secret deal to exchange a VP slot for access to his $$.
The 2008 Dem campaign will be the most hilarious thing you've ever seen. About a half-dozen "moderate" Governors and a Senator or two -- all running for Vice President.
Allen will crush him.
Yes, partly because the liberal Democratic base would be alienated and staying home or voting for a 3rd party...
George Allen '08 PING!
From your keyboard to God's ears!
Thanks for the ping - I sw the headline earlier - but got sidetracked..............
Awesome! Senator Allen is not as wealthy as the Bush family but, he might be able to raise enough to fund him self. He has raised 5 million so far this year.
Check out some of the speeches his given.
He has been taking shots at her lately.
Its pretty clear he is marketing himself as the anti-hillary.
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