NFIB

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner announced Thursday he's running for retiring Sen. John Warner's seat. Warner made his announcement via a video posted on his campaign Web site. 

"I've decided the way I can contribute most to getting our country back on the right track is to serve in the United States Senate," he says. "So after this November's legislative elections, I will announce a formal candidacy for the Senate, and I'm going to work like heck to for the next 14 months to get Virginians to hire me."

Warner could face U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis III or former Gov. James S. Gilmore III. Political pundits believe that both men are likely to seek the Republican nomination, but neither is expected to announce plans until after the Nov. 6 state elections.

John Warner, a 30-year Senate veteran, announced Aug. 31 that he would retire at the end of his current term. Warner has consistently supported the small-business community in Virginia and across the country. This year, he has allied himself with small business by battling Big Labor's attempts to deprive workers of private-ballot elections. Warner has been a consistent supporter of repealing the death tax, ensuring increased access to affordable health care and reducing frivolous lawsuits.