Republican senator raises only $500 in first quarter

Longtime Senator John Warner (R-VA) raised $500 in the first quarter of 2007:

U.S. Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) reported Thursday that he has raisedonly $500 in campaign contributions during the first three months ofthe year, fueling speculation that he may not seek a sixth term nextyear.

It is impossible to overstate what great news this is for the Democrats.  If John Warner does not run, Virginia will be wide open.  Usually at this time each party is busy recruiting new candidates.  This non-decision by Warner means that if he eventually does back out, the GOP will be far behind in their effort to find the best Virginia Republican to run.

There is a rumor that former Virginia Democratic governor Mark Warner (not to be confused with John Warner) will run.  He had an 80% approval rating at one point.  He is still well-liked among many Republican circles in his state.  If Mark Warner ran, the Democrats might win easily.

In adding to their majority, Democrats could then afford to put Joe Lieberman on mute, even if he threatens to leave the party.

Comments

[Tony]

$500?!, damn...there's some "land clammers" (can collecting) around here that make that in a week!

this reminds me of a joke (different version for this occasion)

Republican: "John, how much did you collect"?

John W: "$500.25"

Republican: "Who gave you the 25 cents"?

John W: "Everyone"