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Warner’s paltry first-quarter figures raise eyebrows |
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By Sam Youngman
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Posted: 04/12/07 04:27 PM [ET] |
By most standards, $500 is not a lot of money. In a Senate campaign it’s about the equivalent of a nickel that’s been left on a set of train tracks.
Thus, Sen. John Warner’s (R-Va.) first-quarter fundraising sum of $500 is setting off yet another round of speculation that the aging senator will retire, leaving an open seat in 2008.
“It almost speaks for itself,” said one national Democratic official. “You have to try to raise only $500. You have to tell people not to give you money, and you have to return checks.”
According to a report published by the Federal Election Commission, Warner received no money from individual contributions, political action committees or party committees.
The report also said the senator disbursed more than $30,000 for the period and still has $667,272 cash on hand.
Warner’s office released a statement from the senator late Thursday afternoon in which Warner said he is “seriously considering” a reelection bid, but right now, he is focused on his duties as a senator.
“I have been privileged to represent the citizens of the Commonwealth for over 29 years,” Warner said. “Virginians know me. If I confirm my decision to seek reelection, I have every confidence that I will be able to raise sufficient resources and structure an organization to wage a vigorous campaign leading to Election Day in November 2008.”
Former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) has reportedly been considering a bid should Warner retire, and former Democratic Gov. Mark Warner has reportedly been approached by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Republican Rep. Tom Davis (Va.) is also said to be interested in pursuing the seat should Warner leave office.
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