[tfecw]

"But does any other Republican besides George Allen have the potential to beat Mark Warner in Virginia?"

Probably not. Judging by the votes in NoVa, Norfolk area and Richmond in the 05 election, I wouldn't count on seeing VA go red in 08.

[Corin Stormhands]

Enough with the handwringing and all of these useless early polls. Virginia belongs to George Allen and will remain a Presidential red state.

Yes, the liberal influence is creeping in. But that is NOT why Tim Kaine won, nor is it why Mark Warner is popular.

Warner accomplished one thing - raising taxes. The media and the RINOs allowed (and enabled) him to spin that like it was a necessity, when all along we knew it wasn't. There was NEVER a budget crisis. Warner has no other significant accomplishments. But he's a nice guy, so he remains popular.

Tim Kaine won because of Mark Warner's popularity and because Jerry Kilgore, like Mark Earley before him, made major campaign mistakes. But the difference this time is that Kaine is Not Able^TM to "lead" as Warner has done. He's just not that good and within a year's time or less, everyone will know that.

The campaign hasn't begun yet. Most people in the state aren't even aware that there's a Senate election next year, much less paying attention to the fact that Allen and Warner want to run for President.

Finally, remember that these same polling outfits and media were telling us that John Kerry was going to take Virginia in 2004, up until after the polls closed. Bush took the state by almost 9 percent.

[DarthVader]

Never judge this state by gubentorial results it has voted for a Republican straight since 1964 LBJ.