It sure sounds like Warner is opting for the 2008 run for the Democratic presidential nomination when you read what he has to say in the Augusta Free Press. In response to a question about the whether he'd prefer serving in the US Senate or as a "chief executive," Warner replies, "As somebody who has been in the business world, I like the role of being the chief executive. I like the setting of it. Being a CEO in a business is good training for being a CEO of a government."Now what does that sound like exactly? A bruising, vicious, expensive, possibly losing run against George Allen next year, or a decent shot at the White House -- either as President or Vice President -- in 2008? Having seen Warner speak at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Richmond back in February, I would definitely say that "08 08 08!" is the call that's drawing him in, but we'll see.
In the meantime, Warner needs to take care of a little business at home -- electing his loyal lieutenant, Tim Kaine, to succeed him as Governor of Virginia. As Augusta Free Press editor Chris Graham asked back in February, "For Virginia Gov. Mark Warner to be able to run a viable campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 2008, does he need to see his top lieutenant win his job in November?" To me, the answer is, "maybe not, but it sure wouldn't hurt!"