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 Gov. Mark Warner and the staff of Forward Together rolled out his new PAC December 7th in Tysons Corner, Va, a DC suburb. The event raised $2.5 million, a record in Virginia politics. Warner’s previous record was $2 million. He also beat the previous record of $2.1 million from an event President Bush attended in the state.
Mary K. "Mame" Reiley, director of the PAC, said the money will help Warner speak out on national issues after he hands the governorship to his lieutenant governor, Tim Kaine, on Jan. 14.
"This is a rollout for his new political adventure," Reiley said. "This will allow him to travel nationally and help other candidates."
 The event, billed as a ‘Taste of America’, included a band and food & ice sculptures representing various regions of the country including the Golden Gate Bridge, (San Francisco) Statute of Liberty (New York) & the St. Louis Arch, among others.
The rollout of Forward Together is seen as the next logical step toward creating a forum that will allow Gov. Warner to test the waters for a 2008 presidential race while providing support to other candidates throughout the country.
Former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer took to the stage to talk about Warner’s superb record in Virginia. Tim Kaine, who will occupy the Governor’s Mansion after January 14th, was also there to hightlight Warner’s achievements.
 Those in attendanc e were clearly excited about the prospects for the future and looking to a 2008 White House race with Mark Warner at the top of the ticket.
A number of Draft members were at the event although we remained low-key, knowing this was Gov. Warner’s night. We mingled, made some new friends, and discreetly let a few people know there is a national effort underway to Draft Gov. Warner to run.
Someone mentioned it didn’t look like we were going to have to Draft too hard to get Warner in the race in 08. Our view is the sooner a campaign begins, the better!
The success of the Gala is just one more indication that Mark Warner can draw a crowd and compete with the best of them for the money needed to finance a national campaign. |
