Is it really inevitable?

WSLS and Jay Warren once again proved they were very balance journalists. For someone who was thinking that it is almost inevitable that Mark Warner will become sentaor, this stry realy made me smile.

Warner to Announce Decision on Senate Run Thursday

Jay Warren

WSLS NewsChannel 10

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Will he or won't he? Mark Warner can stop sweating it, as he will announce his decision about his future political career Thursday morning in an e-mail to supporters.

And, what a tough decision Mark Warner has! On the one hand he can run in 2008 to replace John Warner in the US Senate. On the other hand he can run in 2009 for another term as governor. Either option is viable because Warner left the governor’s mansion with some of the highest approval ratings in Virginia history.

And, that’s a rating that appears to have stuck with him. A recent poll by Rasmussen Research shows Warner’s favorability rating at 68%. The same poll has Warner beating the two most likely Republican senate challengers by 20 and 27 points.

Governor Tim Kaine, the Democrat who succeeded Warner, gave no hint on his friend’s decision other than to say, “Virginia will be lucky either way.”

WSLS Political Analyst Dr.Bob Denton says it is likely Warner will pick the Senate and calls him the favorite.

“He's one of the most popular politicians in the commonwealth of Virginia. He has some campaign experience now,” Denton said.

But not so fast. Do you remember the last guy we thought had a lock an election: Senator George Allen. At one point he was 30 points ahead in his 2006 re-election bid. He went on to lose to Democrat Jim Webb.

Allen was in Moneta Wednesday campaigning for a local Republican running for the House of Delegates. He said he won’t run for the Senate in ’08, but said, “I think Mark's going to run for the US Senate.”

Allen was brought down in part thanks to a campaign misstep that ended up on YouTube. The Internet has changed the game for politicians, meaning Warner shouldn't take anything for granted.

“He does have to campaign and campaign hard,” Dr. Denton said. “He has to earn the position. But, at the same time I would say it's as much his to lose and his to win.”

My Thoughts on the Resignation of Alberto Gonzalez

It is sad the Democrats are able to pick off the president's cabinet members at will, however...

Gonzales was incompetent and needed to go. The issue of firing the attorney's was such a non issue, and should have staid a non issue. When Gonzales was questioned he gave such vague and contradictory answers that he made sure the isue kept going. The Attorney General needs to be able to articulately defend his and the president's decisions on the Sunday tv show circuit, and in Senate committee hearings. Gonzalez could not.

Not only is Gonzales a pitiful defender of the president, he's wrong on the issues. He's pro-choice, and doesn't get it on illegal immigration. Personally I've never been impressed by Alberto Gonzales, and I'm glad he's finally gone.

My only regret on the issue is that it took the president so long to do it.

And your American League All Star Team MVP is...

Tony Larussa

His managerial blunder at the All Sar Game was reminiscent of Grady Little's failure to yank Pedro during the 2003 ALCS.

After talking all week about how badly he wanted to win this game, he let Putz and K-Rod get away with their poor performances.

Bottom of the ninth two outs the National League is down by one run and has men on first and second. The next two batters are Orlando Hudson, and Aaron Rowand. Also, in a strategic decision Tony Larussa decided to hold Albert Pujols (one of the best hitters in the game) back as a reserve infielder in case the game went to extra innings.

Why doesn't Tony Larussa pinch hit Albert Pujols for either Hudson, or Rowand? Pujols is obviously the best of the three hitters. As it turned out K-Rod walked Hudson and induced a flyout to right from Rowand and the AL won its tenth All Star Game in a row.

Immigration Update

Alright so Tuesday at 11:30 the senate voted on whether to reconsider a McCain/Kennedy 2.0. It is a bill that would essentially wreck our entitlement system, criminal justice system, healthcare system, and the Republican Party and simultaneously reward 12 million criminals, without even guaranteeing to secure the border. Tuesday the bill had a 22% approval rating. It's a terrible bill, and the entire grassrotts conservative movement has been trying desperately to kill it.

So I called a ton of senators multiple times, heres a couple of experiences.

When I called Sen. Kyl's office (the third ranking GOP senator and a former supporter of stron borders) I told the staffer, "I'm calling to encourage the senator to vote no on cloture and amnesty..." (click) They cut me off mid sentence.

Sen. Ensign (the senator responsible for getting Republicans elected to the senate in '08, a man who should be friendly to Republicans nationwide) His office was disinterested when I told them I was from Virginia.

Sen. Lott (the second ranking republican in the senate) No one picked up at his office Friday afternoon and Monday and Tuesday morning (all during normal business hours) and I was directed to a voice box which was full.

Sen. Webb promised in his campaign to oppose amnesty and didn't listen to my calls.

Also the congressional switchboard and all the above mentioned senators +Sen. Warner offices were all jammed at 11:15 on Tuesday morning.

There is one more critical vote tomorrow morning. Let's get these people to listen to us and kill the bill.

My Heart Goes Out...

As most of you know by now, Jerry Falwell died today from heart failure.

I just wanted to take this moment to offer my condolences to the family.

Also, while I may disagree with him on some theological points, he has done much good for the Christian community. Not least of which are founding Liberty University and the Moral Majority. The Moral Majority was a powerful force in electing Ronald Reagan.

Also pray for the college, their graduation is this weekend.

It's kind of wierd that the two major colleges near our house have been badly hit in the past month.