Is It Time For Warner

The retirement of Sen. John Warner (R-Liz Taylor's Bed), has been rumored for months. The Washington Times rekindled those rumors this morning. If he does retire, and Rep. Tom Davis runs for his seat (as expected), the Democrats will have a good shot at the Senate seat and Davis' House seat. Hurray!

Virginia Sen. John W. Warner has said little about whether he will run for re-election, but the 80-year-old Republican is giving clear indications that he will not return for another term and that his coyness is merely an attempt to help Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, a fellow Republican, replace him.

(snip)

Speculation about Mr. Warner retiring increased this spring after filings with the Federal Elections Commission showed he had raised only $500 during the first quarter of the year.

Another indication was the resignation last year of Susan Magill, who was Mr. Warner's chief of staff for 18 years.

Mr. Warner's resignation would likely result in a tough political battle to replace him that would begin inside the Republican State Central Committee, which decides how the party will picks its nominee.

Members could choose a convention or a primary election, which would likely benefit a more moderate candidate.