2:30 p.m. Mark Warner is coming on. Using Rolling Stones “Start me up”.
Warner addresses the vice presidential talk head-on:
“I’ve been working really hard since last fall; working 110% to asking the people of Virginia to send me to the United States Senate,” said Mark Warner. “I have not sought and will not accept any other opportunity.”
Warner spent the majority of speech comparing and contrasting himself to Jim Gilmore and casting Gilmore as a tenacious campaigner who would use Karl Rove-type tactics. He also mentioned Vince Callahan’s and John Chichester’s endorsements.
In a press availability following his speech, Warner again was unequivocal about vice presidential aspirations. “The only job I’m running for is the Senate. I wanted to make it clear.”