Tuesday, May 8, 2012

From MarknotJohn to notanymore

Mark Warner waged an epic battle with John Warner for the U.S. Senate in 1996.
He won the seat in 2008 when Warner retired.
Now, just over three years into the term, he's ready to quit the gig?
Chris Graham adds his speculation to the Warner returning to Virginia talk.
Spending a day with the frustrated junior senator on Capitol Hill a few weeks ago, well, I kinda gave myself away there, calling him frustrated. It was clear to me that Warner could do without being forced to be the guy to bang the gavel to open and close the Senate on Mondays and Fridays so that other members can make speeches on C-SPAN that nobody will watch, among other things.
An unhappy camper. Would returning to Richmond make him happier?
Doubtful. And it would be the end of his political career.
If he wins, it's still limited to one term. In January 2018, he would be done.
He couldn't go back to the Senate then.
And it's likely the Presidential derby will pass him by - especially in these partisan times. Quitting the job you craved for years isn't a big draw for people looking for a presidential candidate to support.
It's no fun being a moderate in the Democratic Senate majority.
If he waits, it might be more fun to be a Democratic moderate in a Republican Senate majority. That's where the action is for someone with his credentials.
In 2013, he wouldn't have to gavel in sessions while his colleagues fly home for the weekend.
That will be George Allen's job.
Maybe he could work with Republican Tea Party Senators like Richard Mourdock. If you want to make change in Washington, that would be a way.
Retreating to the warmth of an old job for a last hurrah? Not a way to end your career.

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