[OldDeckHand]

'I like everything I've seen from McDonnell so far, but I think he probably needs another four years as Governor "

This is where McDonnell is at a bit of a disadvantage. He's constrained by VA's established term limits for Governor, which prohibits a person from serving consecutive terms. Kind of stupid, I know. I think he can sit out a term, and then run again. But at that point, what's the benefit?

He's either going to have to challenge Webb in 2012 (with a year left on his original gubernatorial term, which won't go over well), or he'll have to wait until Warner is up for reelection in 2014 (I think).

[The Pack Knight]

I wasn't aware of that. No wonder Virginia has so many ex-governors who are still active in politics.

Running against Warner in 2014 is probably the most logical move for him, perhaps with a view to running for President in 2016 if there is no Republican incumbent running. Some people might not like him running for a new job after only two years in the Senate, but by then he will have served Virginia in public office for 22 years - hardly the Obama fast track.

Unfortunately, guys like McDonnell show that our Presidential field kind of looks like the Cleveland Indians right now - deep farm system, but a Big League squad in the middle of a rebuilding cycle.