Can't help but wonder if Warner is retiring because he thinks he might lose,

[MoonRiver]

alla Maccaca Allen. }(

[TwilightGardener]

1. I honestly think it's because he's really old, and he knows the Republican

party is NOT the party he once joined--it's lost its way.

[rox63]

3. I agree

Senator Warner is an honorable man, and he's getting old. He may have lost his taste for today's GOP. And he may not have the energy any more to campaign like he could in younger years.

[Captain Hilts]

6. Zactly. He mentioned being near 88 when he would finish another term. nt

[sandnsea]

2. Maybe he wants a Democrat

Maybe he doesn't want to be responsible for Republican strength and wants to give another Democrat a fighting chance to take his seat, for the good of the country.

[napi21]

4. No, I don't think so. Unfortunately, we're losing one of the few real Statesmen

left in the Senate when he leaves. I know he's a Pub, and I rarely agree with him, but I respect him. I sure can't say that about the younger Pubs!

[Captain Hilts]

7. Not very bright. But very gracious and well-intended. Honest. nt

[TwilightGardener]

11. I agree--I'm disappointed that he didn't stand up to Bush very much on the war, but

he seemed honorable and decent, and did express his war concerns publicly, to the dismay of his party. Add to that his vast knowledge of military affairs and history (he's lived it!), and it is a loss.

[Captain Hilts]

5. The two cases have nothing in common other than 'Virginia'. Warner is a decent human being.

And endorsed Allen very reluctantly in past elections.

[Hand]

9. True. He also refused to endorse Ollie North. nt

[Captain Hilts]

14. Oh, right. Now I remember that one. nt

[Va Lefty]

18. Robb eeked out a win over North in '94

The only reason we don't have Senator Ollie North today is because of John Warner. That in its' self is a great service to Virginia

[katamaran]

13. I definitely think he wanted to endorse Webb

I think the two of them could have been a great combo if he had a few more years in him.

[Mutineer]

8. All of the above is my guess.

[katamaran]

10. He's retiring because he feels it's the right time for him, VA and the country

He's the only Republican I've ever voted for and continue to maintain a bit of support for (he personally intervened in a bad situation with my grandmother and the Veterans Hospital system, when they wanted to let her rot). He knows he's getting older, and there's a good chance he wouldn't have survived another six years. He wouldn't have had a Macaca moment. He's too good of a person, too careful with his words, and doesn't have the skeletons George Allen had. He's from the old guard of the Republican party...the ones that had and in his case still has a conscience and a soul. I think he knows that his party has gone to shit.

That being said...

MARK WARNER 2008!

[RobofSWVA]

17. Warner for Warner

If Mark runs, he will win big and it will be good for both VA and the USA.

[LeftCoast]

12. It's no fun being in the minority

Particularly when it looks like your party is going to have its ass handed to them for the 2nd time in a row. And you're 80.

[TheCowsCameHome]

15. He's 80 - at least he's wise enoungh to try to enjoy a little of his life

More should get out while they're healthy.

Although I'd never vote for a republican in this day and age, I always admired his manner and statesmanlike demeanor.

I hope he has a nice retirement.

[AspenRose]

16. I think he's fed up

He's one of the few human-ish GOP senators left.