Either Bob Novak is playing an elaborate game of Election Year Possum, or he is truly feeling negative about several red Senate seats turning blue in November 2008. This time, he suggests that Republicans are already thowing in the towel in Virginia.
Gloomy top Republicans in Virginia are privately predicting that a man named ''Warner'' will be elected to the Senate from their state next year, but add that he is likely to be a Democrat.
The state's GOP leaders not long ago were sure that 80-year-old Republican Sen. John Warner would seek a sixth term in 2008, but now they think he probably will not. That would open the door for Democratic former Gov. Mark Warner (no relation) to enter the race. Any Republican would be an underdog against the Democratic Warner.
Rep. Tom Davis is the leading prospect if John Warner doesn't run, but conservatives are seeking somebody to oppose Davis' nomination.
One of my fondest wishes for 2008 is to see Mark Warner elected to the Senate. He was my first choice for President, but I would love to see him join Jim Webb. However, as confident I am that this may happen, I will wait until the two Warners make their decisions. A popular former governoer and a state GOP at each other's throats make Virginia a fun place to watch.