Much to many Virginians' chagrin, Mark Warner pulled his hat out of the 2008 Democratic Presidential ring on October 12, 2006. However, that doesn't mean that Mark Warner - and Virginians in general - won't play a major role over the next year or two in selecting both Democratic and Republican Presidential nominees. Already, former Warner and Webb senior strategist, Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, is hard at work (and enjoying the bluegrass music) on the John Edwards campaign. Former Mark Warner advisor Jim Jordan has signed on with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT). Former Kaine for Governor Internet Director, John Rohrbach, is working for Tom Vilsack of Iowa. And there are others, including Webb campaign manager Jessica Vanden Berg, who reportedly is working as a strategist for the undeclared Wesley Clark.
On the Republican side, our old buddy Jerry "The Duck" Kilgore reportedly is in line to head former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's 2008 campaign in Virginia. Former Virginia Governor Jim "No Car Tax" Gilmore is running for President, and all of us at Raising Kaine are wishing him well (seriously, we'd love to see Jim Gilmore, who did such a great job as Governor of Virginia - haha - emerge as the Republican nominee in 2008).
Last but certainly not least is the news that former Kaine campaign manager in '05 (and Mark Warner field director in '01) Mike Henry will serve as Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton's deputy campaign manager. According to the Washington Post:
A newcomer to the Clinton circle, Henry will be deputy campaign manager. He made a name for himself by leading Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to victory in 2005 and then overseeing Senate Democrats' national ad campaign in 2006.
In addition, Chris Cillizza reports in his blog (bolding added for emphasis):
...During the 2004 cycle [Henry] managed the primary campaign of wealthy businessman Blair Hull in Illinois. As any political junkie knows, Hull was at one time the frontrunner in the Democratic primary but revelations concerning his divorce destroyed his campaign. The eventual winner turned out to be a little known state senator named Barack Obama. It seems likely that in addition to his other attributes, Henry's intimate knowledge of Obama might be a very valuable commodity for Clinton.
Interesting, eh? By the way, what is it say when one of the smartest, most successful political strategists and campaign managers around - not to mention a Virginian with close ties to both Mark Warner and Tim Kaine - joins the Clinton campaign? Sounds to me like Mike Henry respects Hillary Clinton, believes she can win, and intends to help her to do just that in 2008.
P.S. Virginia's primary is scheduled for February 12, 2008, one week after what could be - but certainly might not be, given the crowded fields on both sides - a decisive series of contests in 8 states. Also, the main speaker at this year's annual Virginia Democratic JJ Dinner on February 17 in Richmond is Barack Obama.
P.P.S. Several leading 2008 Democratic contenders - Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards - campaigned for Jim Webb in 2006. Wesley Clark, who has not announced his intentions for 2008, endorsed Jim Webb early (on March 29) and appeared at a pre-election rally in Arlington with Webb and Michael J. Fox. Former candidate Mark Warner, of course, played an important role in helping Jim Webb defeat George Allen. Will Senator Webb endorse anyone for the Democratic nomination in 2008, or will he concentrate on stuff like delivering the rebuttal to President Bush's State of the Union address? Stay tuned...
As my wife watched the video, it seemed even she mellowed towards the Clinton's. She said she kept feeling like her idol "Martha Steward" was going to present one of her products to purchase. She does not like Bill and does not want him to be the first "man"(lady).
As I think about this campaign, I wonder when Hilliary gets into Tennessee will they play "Stand by your Man" in the back ground. (Humor)?
At one time she was at the top of my list, but slide down the list. Her actions this past week has her back on top and is getting front runner posture. Her remarks on what to do in Iraq were on target' Of course any one of the top three can beat a war hero who forgot who he is, or an ex-mayor whose administration was in termoil till 9/11. The rest depends on Romney, whom I feel is their best candidate.
Also can't argue with success, in both 2005 and 2006!!!