The Washington Post today has op-eds on both Tim Kaine AND Mark Warner. The first is the newspaper's own editorial on Tim Kaine's push for transportation solutions, specifically his "series of town hall get-togethers across the state." On this subject, the Post basically wishes Kaine luck, arguing that the Governor-elect (boy, I never get tired of saying that!) "faces an uphill battle, as well as a relatively poor political climate" for action on "what could be the make-or-break trial of his four-year term." The Post further opines that Kaine, "Having dodged the question of new taxes for transportation as a candidate...takes office lacking a revenue-raising mandate."We'll see about that. One thing I learned over the past 10 months is this: do NOT underestimate Tim Kaine. Never. Ever. This guy's smart, dedicated, and has a spine of steel. If anyone can unlock Virginia's gridlock- transportation, political, or otherwise -- it's Tim Kaine. I look forward to seeing what comes out of these town hall meetings.
Second, David Broder has a column on Mark Warner, entitled "Warner's Rising Star: Following the 'Clinton Route' to the White House." Among other things, Broder praises Warner for:
...the successful stewardship of a conservative-leaning Southern state, a leadership role in the Education Commission of the States and the National Governors Association, and a growing following among fellow Democrats.
Broder adds:
Meanwhile, Warner was a big hit up in New Hampshire last week, where he received "[a]n extremely favorable reaction" and was described by New Hampshire State Senator Lou D'Allesandro as " a very impressive guy."
Oh yeah, Broder also points out that "[e]arlier in the week, Time magazine saluted Warner as one of the five best governors in the country." And, of course, this followed the election of Warner's loyal lieutenant, Tim Kaine, as governor of Virginia. In large part thanks to...Mark Warner!
Of course, as Broder correctly notes, Warner will face super-tough competition on the road to the White House for 2008. Among others, the list of obstacles includes one Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose husband Mark Warner hopes to emulate in terms of his political success, although certainly not his personal behavior.
Again, we'll see what happens. But, as with Tim Kaine, I have learned another lesson the past 10 months: never, EVER underestimate Mark Warner. Simply stated, when Mark Warner sets his mind to something, it almost always gets done.
So watch out Hillary, Joe (Biden), Bill (Richardson), Evan (Bayh), Russ (Feingold), John (Edwards), John (Kerry), Wesley (Clark), Tom (Vilsack), and whoever else. You've all got a lot of great stuff going for you, but -- no offense intended -- none of you happens to be a successful Democratic governor of an important southern "red state," with a 70% approval rating. Oh yeah, and a multi-millionaire to boot. This should be interesting.