From the Sioux Falls Argus Leader:
Jarding role in 2008When calculating begins on the balance of power in the Senate after the 2008 elections, Virginia could again be the center of attention. That was the case in 2006 when challenger Jim Webb embarrassed Sen. George Allen, unseating the would-be presidential candidate in the race that ultimately shifted Senate control to Democrats. Webb's victory was engineered by Steve Jarding, a Mitchell native who has become one of the nation's top political strategists.
When Sen. John Warner, R-Virginia, recently said he is calling it quits, it opened the door for the next political struggle in that state. Enter former Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, who seems like a sure bet to run for the seat. It also was Jarding who got Mark Warner on the political track, successfully engineering his surprise gubernatorial victory.
Don't look for Jarding to surface again as manager in Mark Warner's next campaign, though. He is focused on playing a key role with Sen. Tim Johnson if he decides to seek a third term.
Incidentally, top South Dakota Democrats are starting to suggest that Jarding himself could become a candidate for a major office in his home state. Stay tuned.
By the way, Sen. John Thune (R) is up for re-election in 2010. Also in 2010, the South Dakota governor's mansion opens up after two terms by Republican Mike Rounds.
P.S. Jarding has moved from Virginia to South Dakota, so I doubt he'll be running for Governor of Virginia. Seems to me that the South Dakota boy is home for good! :)
If you've ever heard Steve Jarding speak, you know he is a marvel--passionate and smart and very real. At a neighborhood fundraiser for Jim Webb last year, people got out their checkbooks for the 2nd time after hearing him speak!