Warner Kicks Off Senate Campaign

Eights months after he announced he would run for U.S. Senate, Democrat Mark R. Warner officially launched his campaign tonight in the small town of Abingdon in southwest Virginia.

"I believe that the American public doesn't trust either party enough to give them a blank check and what it's going to take is that both parties need to work together,'' Warner said.

More than 250 supporters welcomed Warner, his wife, Lisa, and their two youngest daughters at E.B. Stanley Middle School for an early dinner of barbecue, cole slaw and pickles. A band played bluegrass music, including a song about Warner from his days as governor.

"I like what he stands for,'' said Rick De Angelis, who retired from American Airlines and lives in Bristol. "He's got my vote."

Warner and his entourage flew into the Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Tennessee, where they were greeted by the Washington County sheriff and a pair of his off-duty but uniformed deputies who played chauffeur.

Warner will make 10 other stops in the next three days to all parts of the state. He will be joined by Gov.Timothy M. Kaine in Richmond and by U.S. Sen. James Webb in Alexandria.

Several legislators appeared with Warner in Abingdon, the same place where he launched his gubernatorial campaign in 2001.

"Even my colleagues in the House believe he will be the next senator from Virginia," said Del. Bud Phillips, a Democrat from the nearby Castlewood area.

By Anita Kumar |  May 4, 2008; 9:29 PM ET  | Category:  Anita Kumar , Election 2008/U.S. Senate , John W. Warner , Mark Warner , Sen. James Webb , Timothy M. Kaine
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