Tonight's big winner I think is Gov. Warner

If Warner plans to run for the Presidency or against that moron Allen, this election made him a legitimate contender for either (or both)in a tate where there are more pukes than Dems, being replaced by a Dem in the Governor's mansion demonstrates his appeal and the faith the electorate has in him.
If Warner runs for Senator in 06, it will be an interesting race. If he runs for President and gets the nomination, it will be hard to see how he doesn't win his home state (Virginia).
After Warner, I think Dr. Dean is second. As the leader of the Party he should get credit when we succeed, just like he would have been bashed by many if we had done poorly.

dinner here in AZ a while back.

He saved VA's bacon, and everyone knows it.

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Just wondering.

I'll have already bitch-slapped him by then, remember? :evilgrin:

Kidding aside, if Warner actually wins the W.H. in 2008, and we pick up enough Senate seats to tie it up and have his VP break the tie, I'll kiss the man on his cheek -- where my handprint will no doubt still be writ large -- and all will be forgiven.

In fact, I like warner in a W.H. run. I think it should definitely be somebody from outside the Senate -- we need as many Dems in there as possible. So, Clark or Warner or somebody like that would be perfect.

But taking back the Senate in 2006 means shutting down the Bush agenda for the last two years of the man's presidency. By 2008, the damage is done.

It is very possible he will face him in 2008 instead.

Although I question whether he has the charisma to be prez, just my honest opinion.

Maybe good VEEP material!

Warner is very well liked. Good VEEP material; I don't see him heading the ticket though.

Warner is in a VERY strong position at this moment in time. He could easily set himself up to be someone to help instruct Democrats how to win in the South - and that is what he should do. He understands the formula.

However, on that same note he is really a moderate and not a liberal. He is good on economic policies, but he and I have a dispute on social issues. I also question his personal charisma.

I would love to see him as a Senator (I believe he could do it), but would also lobby for him to be a Vice President on the 2008 ticket. In fact I believe if he wanted the VP spot on the ticket he has earned his right to claim it. I just don't think he has the personal charisma - it's something you have to be born with - to really energize the party in a time that it REALLY needs to be energized.

I do not question his capability or his management skills. They are top notch. I believe he is a great asset to the Democratic Party as a whole, and in particular a good model for what Democrats should strive for in the South.

I am also a Virginian.

California, not so much.

The VA election strengthens Warner's position even more than ever. He's coming from a re-energized state base.

have been a good Governor for Virginia to have his Lt Governor Voted in now!

And, I think you're right about the Dean statement..if these were losses, Chairman Dean would have been blamed. So now he gets some Kudos even in Virginia.