This is cross-posted at Ambivalent Mumblings After Mark Warner declared that he wouldnGÇÖt be running for president in 2008, most Virginia Democrats were extremely disappointed. It appears, however, as though some Democrats are beginning to move on. The Des Moines Register is reporting that George Appleby, a Democratic lawyer from Des Moines who was formerly helping Mark Warner, has expressed an interest in assisting Barack Obama in his potential bid for the presidency.
"I have talked with the Obama people, and I have agreed to do some initial stuff for him, pending his making the decision to go or not to go," Appleby said.According to his biography on the website for the law firm Carney and Appleby, P.L.C., Appleby has been involved in GÇ£Iowa caucus presidential politics for more than 20 years.GÇ¥ Obviously this means that he could prove to be of great assistance to Obama if he should decide to run for president. As Mark WarnerGÇÖs withdrawal from consideration goes to show, however, ObamaGÇÖs presidential bid is purely speculative until he actually declares his candidacy. According to a quote in the Des Moines Register, however, Appleby has stated that the final decision is likely to come within a few weeks.
(UPDATE BY ROB: Here's that quote - "They tell me he will make a decision within a couple of weeks.")