More No Warner Run in ‘08
by Pamela LeaveyMark Warner has decided not to run for president in ‘08. Both Todd and I noted the breaking news below. Warner’s made what evidently was a tough choice, but he also noted that he is commited as ever to work to help Democrats get elected in ‘06. “In the short-term,” Warner said, “I am going to do everything I can do make sure Democrats win in 2006.”
It’s an exciting year to be a Democrat. I leave shortly to go to Iowa to support folks running for state and congressional office. Hope they are still excited to see me.
National Journal Hotline has Warner’s full statement. Here’s a quip…
I have decided not to run for President.
This past weekend, my family and I went to Connecticut to celebrate my Dad’s 81st birthday, and then we took my oldest daughter Madison to start looking at colleges.
I know these moments are never going to come again. This weekend made clear what I’d been thinking about for many weeks—that while politically this appears to be the right time for me to take the plunge—at this point, I want to have a real life.
And while the chance may never come again, I shouldn’t move forward unless I’m willing to put everything else in my life on the back burner.
This has been a difficult decision, but for me, it’s the right decision.
AP notes:
Warner leaves a crowded field of possible Democratic candidates.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York is widely considered the front-runner for the nomination. Others considering or positioning themselves for a run include Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic nominee; former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, the vice presidential nominee two years ago; Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Joe Biden of Delaware, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
It’s still early in the game, but I’ve already picked my horse in the race, it’s always been a given where my loyalty leans. John Kerry is our best hope.
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Well for the Warner backers thats bad news, however there is plenty of room on the JK 2008 wagon. I wonder when Hillary is going to make her move?
Like him totally or not, Mark Warner was nothing short of a class act in both announcing early and honestly about ‘08. As we should all realize and respect, ANY public office requires a person to sacrifice a lot of their personal/family goals; being elected the most powerful person in the world requires an almost unthinkable sacrifice. Kudos to Warner for putting family first.