• Democrat Mark R. Warner holds a large early lead over either potential Republican opponent in next year's race for Virginia's open U.S. Senate seat, according to a statewide poll. The survey also reflected a generally favorable view of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's performance in office and the overall direction of the state, but was not as charitable toward the General Assembly.

Mark Warner gets 51% in this poll and both Repub challengers get 27%. (Gilmore and Davis). Significantly, "in a match up with either man, 12 percent of those who identified themselves as Republicans said they would back Warner."

When VA could provide two Democratic Senate seats, droves of House Republicans are retiring - we are up to 11 or 12 I think - and the Republicans will have to spend money and time to keep a Senate seat in IDAHO, you know there has been a sea change. Nobody is better qualified than Dems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but the trend here is broad based. Add to this the queasiness of Republican donors , and you have a historic chance for Dems to display their amazing ability to miss opportunities. My longer term concern is that Dems will get used to having the Tom Foleys , Toe-Tapping Senator Wide-Stance, and the current Doofus-in-Chief to run against. That will not last with a White House victory and Congressional gains in '08, should that come to pass. Be thinking about governing, not just campaigning.