Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) announced Friday that he will not seek a sixth term in the Senate in 2008, bringing an end to three decades in the chamber and triggering a battle for the open seat he will leave behind.
Speaking to reporters and constituents at the University of Virginia, Warner said he had had a “magnificent and rewarding career” in the Senate but would continue to serve the state in other capacities.
{mosads}“I thank all of those who have made it possible to have achieved a footnote in Virginia history as the second-longest serving United States senator in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Warner said.
Upon the announcement, Warner was praised by members of both parties, including past opponents.
Former Gov. Mark Warner (D), who lost narrowly to the incumbent in 1996, said: “On a personal note, I know it is unusual for two people who ran against each other to become friends after the election, but John and I did. I’m proud to call John Warner a friend and wish him nothing but the best in the years ahead.”
Warner, the 80-year-old former Armed Services Committee chairman, is one of only five World War II veterans remaining in the Senate and was Secretary of the Navy prior to his first election victory in 1978.
He is best known for his work on military issues and most recently has been a leading voice of dissent within the GOP on the Iraq war.
He is the second Republican senator to announce his retirement since the party lost its majority in the 2006 election, joining Sen. Wayne Allard (Colo.).
The open seat is the third a cash-strapped GOP will have to defend next year, joining Allard’s seat and that of Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming, who died earlier this year.
Warner leaves behind a seat in a state that has moved increasingly from a red state to a swing state, most recently electing Democrat Jim Webb over incumbent Sen. George Allen (R) last year.
Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) has made no secret of his interest in the seat and has been laying the groundwork for a possible run for years. Mark Warner is considered the top potential Democratic candidate after surprising many by opting not to run for president in 2008.
Davis and Mark Warner did not address their future plans in their statements.
Other candidates mentioned included Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and another former governor, Republican Jim Gilmore, who has not hidden his interest since dropping his long-shot bid for the presidency in June.
“The [National Republican Senatorial Committee] will be working with Sen. Warner to field a strong Republican candidate to continue his work on behalf of the people of Virginia,” said committee Chairman John Ensign (R-Nev.).
For all involved, though, politics could wait.
“Today’s a day to celebrate and honor John Warner,” Davis said. “He’s more than earned a victory lap. An announcement from me on my future plans can wait for another day.”
Many Democrats and Republicans alike echoed Mark Warner’s sentiment about friendship.
“John Warner is one of my best friends,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). “The Senate will be diminished by his leaving, and his steady, solid leadership has served the Senate, the nation and Virginia well.”