Warner Launches Senate Campaign, Speaks Out

Future Senator Mark Warner kicked things off in Roanoke over the weekend. The GOP will choose their nominee at a convention on May 31. Former Gov. Jim Gilmore is considered to be the favorite over Del. Bob Marshall of Prince William County. Despite the fact that Warner will be the heavy favorite over whoever he faces, he doesn’t plan on turning this into a coronation. And Sunday in Roanoke, Mark Warner spoke out on some of the “hot button” issues of the day.

Roanoke Times:

Warner called for a gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, but said he opposes a fixed timetable. He also called for an energy plan that reduces dependence on foreign oil and a “national competitiveness plan” for producing educated workers, affordable health care and improved infrastructure.

After his speech, Warner questioned the wisdom of proposals by presidential candidates John McCain and Hillary Clinton to suspend the federal gas tax for the summer months.
“I would be concerned about whether those dollars would be replaced,” said Warner, noting that gas tax revenues pay for transportation improvements.

“I think what we need is a solution that goes after the oil speculators to try to bring down the gas price,” said Warner, adding that a stronger dollar and a new energy policy could ease pressure on gas prices.

photo courtesy Friends of Mark Warner