There is some speculation that yesterday’s concession speech by George Allen was actually the start of his 2008 campaign – to replace a retiring John Warner.
If that is the case, there are going to be some upset folks. I’m hearing that Tom Davis and Jim Gilmore both have their eyes on that seat. Will they step aside to let Allen run? Or are we in for what will likely be a brutal battle for the Republican nomination?
On the Democratic side, who besides Mark Warner will step up?
This is going to be quite interesting. Bring it on!
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Oh Viv, can’t we just spending Thanksgiving and Christmas overreating and drinking? 😉
BTW, while I’m here, I’d like to applaud you for not getting down in the gutter with the rest of us. You fought hard and well for the ideas and principles with grace and style.
You’re an example for all of us.
Bobby Scott. He is my first 2008 endorsement on my blog.
I mentioned that endorsement to him this morning. He laughed and said he’s not running.
Ward – of course, we can eat, drink & be merry. But the other folks are already working. I hear Mitch Romney’s people are trying to snatch up Allen supporters.
And thanks for your kind words.
Oh, I didn’t say I wasn’t working.
I just don’t want ~ya’ll~ to be working yet. 🙂
FWIW, Romney hasn’t called ~me~ but I don’t see myself ending up in his camp.
Go Jim Gilmore!
Looks like we will have only a short rest f folks…I don’t like a future in VA with the likes of Gilmore, Allen, O’Donnell, etc….
VA deserves so much better than this.
Buzz…Buzz…
We can’t take any time off, either. Not if we want to turn VA blue 🙂
Allen might be considering another run for the Senate, but I don’t think he would be able to make it past the Republican primary. After making so many mistakes that cost him a double digit lead, I imagine some Republicans might be a little bitter — especially since Virginia’s race is considered to be the deciding factor in why the Republicans lost control of the Senate. If he does decide to run again, I imagine in would be in 2012 (either for Senate or possibly the presidency) The gap of 6 years might allow people to somewhat forget about the blunders of his reelection bid this year.
In regards to who might be after the Republican nomination in 2008, I too have heard rumors about Tom Davis considering a bid for the Senate seat. As much as I hate to admit it, the Republican Party might be wise to nominate Davis. As the Commonwealth is gradually becoming more and more moderate, the fact that he won in the 11th by a fairly large percentage (although not as large as the difference between Feder and Wolf) shows that he is able to persuade Independents to vote for him.
Davis’s candidacy, however, might be hurt by the fact that he was forced to spend so much money in his reelection bid this year. In the past, he has been able to curry favor with other Republicans throughout the Commonwealth by donating to their campaigns. This year, Andy Hurst’s appeal to the voters forced him to spend almost 3 million dollars on his own campaign, which meant that he couldn’t help other Republicans as much.
Gilmore would step aside but Davis would not. I tend to think that Davis would have a huge money advantage in the primary. He’s got a pretty powerful spot in Washington to help him raise money, wheras Allen has nothing to sell for the time being.
Davis would be a smart nomination for the GOP.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Virgil Goode looks seriously into getting into it. For obvious reasons, things are going to be *very* uncomfortable for him in the House next year. Anyone who watches Battlestar Galactica should reflect on how Gaius Baltar would be received right now if he stepped aboard the Colonial Fleet. That’s pretty much how Democrats see Virgil. A run for Senate or Governor would be a smart way out.
Which is why I’m hoping Jim Gilmore will do it!
~
His leadership votes aside, even this partisan Democrat doesn’t find Tom Davis all that offensive, and respects much of the work he has done, especially on behalf of the District (how ’bout those voting rights, Dems?). He’d be a tough match up for any Dem, save, say Warner (whom I think would walk through most any GOP candidate in two years. But I suspect he’s got his eye on the Governor’s mansion, again. Easier to move to the White House from there, you know . . .).
For Allen an ambassadorship (no joke), or possibly some interim Capitol Hill lobbying work.
Allen may pursue the presidency, but he’s going to have an uphill battle finding funding.
Beyond that it’s hard to say. I’d say Bob McDonnell has the inside track on the ’09 Governors race. The ’08 Senate race is likely going to be Tom Davis. If Allen decides to run, I think it may have a greater impact on prospective candidates like Jim Gilmore (e.g. social conservatives).
On the Democratic side, it’s a hard call. Creigh Deeds I think may have his eye on the 2009 Governorship. Mark Warner is probably looking at a VP slot in ’08. Maybe Bobby Scott? Would he risk his safe House seat to make a Senate run?
Allen’s done…check my blog. I, too, am for overeating and drinking….
Good points in your post, Rick.
JP – read my earlier post. Bobby’s not going to run. (I think I finally met someone who hates phone time as much as I do.)
Creigh & Brian Moran are on a collision course for the D nomination for governor in ’09 – assuming that Warner doesn’t run. If Warner runs, those guys are looking at AG & LG instead. I’m not convinced that Warner will want to run for VP.
Just saw Gilmore on Hardball – Chris sure thinks he’s running for Senate in ’08.