Ask him to run.

Chris K. had a good suggestion: those of us who want to see the Governor run in 2008 should contact him directly and urge him to do so, preferably via snail mail. Email is fine, but regular old-fashioned mail always carries more weight. Here is a letter that Chris sent, as an example:

Dear Governor Warner,

Shortly after John Kerry conceded the election, speculation began on who would succeed him as the 2008’s presidential nominee.

The Democratic name that pops up the most and the front-runner of the race is, of course, is Hillary Rodham Clinton. A Gallup poll conducted from November 7 - 10 showed that Hillary Clinton is leading the pack for the nomination, with a plurality – 25 percent - of the vote among Democrats, and if it came down to a contest between her and John Edwards, she would handily beat the North Carolina Senator 55-39%.

Nominating her in 2008 is a recipe for disaster. She's a Northeastern liberal Democratic who, just like Dukakis and Kerry, will get her ass handed to her in the general election.

First of all, a Hillary nomination would galvanize the Republican Party and bring them together like never before. Except maybe for her husband, there is no one Republicans loathe more. Her nomination would unite the party and inspire thousands of Republicans to sponsor voter-drives, organize, volunteer, and donate. They would fight like hell, orchestrating an all out right-wing offensive, doing whatever it takes to keep her out of the White House. Hillary can't win the 2008 Election.

But you can.

First of all, America has a strong record of electing governors. Four of the past five presidents all ran as successful governors, and both of the modern Democratic presidents - Clinton and Carter - were accomplished Southern governors, just like yourself. If you campaign on your centrist record of moderate policies that appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, fiscal conservatism, and your strong role as chairman of the National Governors' Association who balanced the state's books, and reached across party lines to work with the Republicans in clearing away the state's debt, you can win the Election.

You'll appeal to traditionally Democratic regions such as the Left Coast and the Northeast, as well as the moderate Midwest, and the more conservative South and Rocky regions. If you could win in a state as red as Virginia, you can win anywhere. By far, you're the most electable Democrat in the country.

I implore you to please run for the White House in 2008.

Something along these lines, perhaps also pledging support and asking the Governor to keep your name and contact information on file for future volunteer work should he decide to run would be a good idea. The Governor's contact information is:

Governor Mark R. Warner
State Capitol, 3rd Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Phone: (804) 786-2211
Fax: (804) 371-6351

Let him know you have his support!