The first one is silly but very real, nontheless. He has the same last name as the beloved, retiring incumbent. That will make some difference, folks, whether it should or not.
(Here's another example of strange political facts: Surveys show that the person whose name appears first on the ballot gets about 2% more votes because of that position...I don't know how they figured that out, but it makes sense.)
Next, Gov. Warner has proven that he can work with both Republicans and Democrats to solve problems, including that huge budget deficit left by a recession and the mismanagement of the state's finances by one of his potential opponents for the senate, Jim Gilmore. That fact is important in a state like Virginia, where Independent and Republican cross-over votes will be essential.
When he left office, Mark Warner had approval ratings at 70-80 percent. That hasn't changed. Those "swift boaters" who are busy right now trying to besmirch Warner's reputation with their Internet site had better beware. Mark Warner is as well-liked as John Warner in this state. Lots of people in Virginia don't like others trash-talking about those they have decided they really admire.
Speaking of the "swift boaters'" first effort: The anti-tax gambit of the Republicans has gone as far as that tired old horse can go. Virginia is changing, and not as Republican Bill Howell would have us believe - in his own "macaca" moment - because newcomers don't have "traditional Virginia values." Plus, the Republicans shot themselves in the foot on transportation by passing taxes for some Virginians and calling them either "regional" or "fees." A tax is a tax is a tax.
Mark Warner will be able to raise as much money as he needs for the election. He won't have any primary to worry about. If he needs a shot of money late in the campaign, he can tap into his own considerable fortune.
Warner is bright, articulate, and very knowledgeable about national and international issues, exactly what a candidate for the senate needs. If the Republican candidate dares to debate him, Warner will win.
Warner's family is a real political asset. He has three teenage daughters and a wife who is both a good campaigner and a successful professional in her own right.
Mudcat Saunders has rightly pointed out that Mark Warner will carry rural parts of the state, not just northern Virginia. He did it in his race for governor, and we folks in the western part of the state still look upon Warner as a friend who understands our situation.
So, in the now infamous words of that drugstore cowboy and case of arrested development who presently occupies space in the White House:
Republicans...
"Bring it on!"