The Republicans have the same problem.  Many of the candidates that they could put up for the Senate have problems with some of their core constituencies.

And of course there is George Allen.  If they choose to nominate him, it would send a message loud and clear about who the Republicans actually represent.

But if he loses against JMDD, I'm not sure he can be viewed as a viable challenger. And if he wins, speaking as his would-be constituent, I would want to see him actually represent his district at least for a few hours before he declares for a statewide bid.

If you liked Jim Webb, you'll love John Grisham for Senate. He's outside of the internal party squabbles and bickering. If Mark Warner doesn't decide to run for Senate himself, he needs to pick up the phone and convince Grisham to do it. He can win.

But remember, Senator Webb had some interest in running before he ever recieved a phone call.  Has Grisham shown any interest in the race?  Not that I've heard/seen.

To the contrary, Grisham has said many times that he is NOT interested.  I wish he'd change his mind...sigh.

If JMDD loses how likely is it that Davis will run?

Mark has already taken himself out of the race should Senator John run for reelection, all the Republicans have to do is convince Senator John to run for reelection and the seat just falls into their hands.

We absolutely have a Bench. I can think of three names off the top of my head who could make a game of it. Maybe not the "ultimate candidate" but definitely people who we could put up and would run a credible campaign and would be solid Democrats in the Ssnate, if Mark Warner declines to run.

Doug Wilder
Mary Sue Terry
Don Beyer

Yeah, two of them lost the race for Governor, but Mark Warner lost the race for Senate before becoming Governor. Losses are learnings, and we Democrats have learned our lesson.

Wouldn't Terry/Allen be fun to win the second time around? ;-)

I think of promising young (or not-so-young) up and comers.  Your bench--not so much. 

I do think we have a decent bench for some of the future statewide races (Chap, Jody Wagner, Shannon Valentine, Jenn McClellan, among many others), but I'm not sure about Senate this time around.  I like the idea of Grisham but I suspect he would have a problem getting traction outside Cville and inside the beltway.

Wilder isn't leaving City Hall.
Terry is out of the game and having fun raising horses in Roanoke.
Beyer has expressed interest but he's certainly not a candidate who can beat John and would have his hands full with Davis in a presidential year.

He could run a competitive campaign.

Sounds like the DPVA needs to put Mark, Creigh, and maybe Don and Leslie in a room, and figure out who is running for what.

Democratic unity can make a BIG difference in solidifying our gains here in Virginia over the past couple years.

When we look for someone to run for U.S. Senate, let's not use one of the guys who is going to give control of the state senate back to the Democrats - Chap Petersen. It is absolutely vital that the party have the senate if it is going to influence the next redistricting, coming after the 2010 census.
If John Warner does run (I am almost sure he won't), then there are many on the "bench" for the Dems. Don't count out Leslie Byrne (one of the best campaigners the party has), Don Beyer (access to ready camapign contributions), Brian Moran (young, energetic, destined for higher office), etc.
Lots of good choices out there, but everyone has to wait for Warner, the "gray eminence" to decide.
Actually, the Democrats in Virginia are sitting pretty right now with Mark Warner almost sure to win whatever he runs for, plus other in the wings.