Popular Ex Gov Will Run for Va. Senate Seat

Instead of running for the presidency, popular former Virginia governor Mark Warner will run for Senate, according to sources. He hopes to succeed Republican John W. Warner (no relation) and convert a formerly reliable Republican Senate seat. It would be the first time Virginia had two Democratic senators in 38 years.

A chic presidential candidate last year, he withdrew in the fall, citing the strain on his family. Senate Democrats have since encouraged him to help shore up their majority in 2008. Retorted a Republican rival: "Sending a Democrat to the United States Senate at this very critical time is not the best policy." (More Election 2008 stories.)