Warner on Norfolk's "The Fox"
Governor Warner joined Nikki and John on 106.9 FM "The Fox" in Norfolk this morning. He talked about why he's running for the U.S. Senate and what he hopes to accomplish if Virginia voters give him another opportunity to serve.
In the interview, Governor Warner revealed a fresh approach to politics:
"People, when they hire you to elected office, they want you to get something done. They don't want to hear you blame the other side the whole time. They want to see results. The one thing from business that I do think we need to see more of in politics is bottom-line results. Show me independent, measurable results. Don't give me a lot of political rhetoric -- show me some results.
"And in Virginia, one of the things I did as Governor is -- we tried to measure everything and put a lot more responsibility on people to produce, to show me facts and figures. "¦ Wouldn't it be nice, if in Washington, we judged folks the same way? Don't show us how much mud you can throw or how much you can run down the other side. Show us what you can actually get done on behalf of the people that hired you."
Here's an added bonus: Governor Warner also reveals the best holiday gift he ever received as a kid. You can listen to today's interview on The Fox below:
Happy Birthday, Mark Warner!
Tomorrow is Governor Warner's birthday. Earlier this week, we sent an email to our supporters asking them to help us celebrate Governor Warner's birthday.
We've had an overwhelming response. Nearly 2,000 people sent Governor Warner a birthday message. And thanks to your contributions this week, we're #1 on ActBlue's list of most active candidates this week!
The Governor is going to be so surprised! Here are some of the greetings that you sent:
Happy Birthday! As an 18 year-old, I can't tell you how thrilled I am that I get to vote for such an amazing candidate in my first national election.
- Jeffrey Bennett, Falls Church
To His Excellency,
Happy birthday to a great American! You were fabulous at the Portsmouth Schools Foundation program this week. Thanks for taking our event to a new level!! Hopefully next time around, we can address you as Senator! God bless.
- Carol Rowe, Portsmouth
Feliz Cumpleanos, Senor. You don't look any older. Have a great birthday celebration with your beautiful family and dear friends. After that celebration, it will be time to get back to work on the campaign. I will help in any way I can because I believe we can work together to make Virginia a better place. Nos vemos pronto, si Dios quiere.
- Linda Rodriguez, AltaVista
You made me proud again to live in Virginia. While I really wish you would return as our governor because I think you have a vastly better chance of continuing to have a significant, positive impact on the lives of so many in that role, I am ready to support your candidacy to the US Senate in the hope that you can also help me to be proud once more to be an American.
- Cynthia Bowersq, Richmond
Happy Birthday, Mark!
Ever since your inauguration night (when you followed me and my girlfriend around the dance floor while we were trying to slow dance), you have always impressed me. Your term as governor was great for my school and my state. Your visit to Longwood during my Junior year to officially change our name was a really nice day. Finally, it was great at the end to hear the same people in Farmville who grumbled when you were elected waxing poetic about your time as governor when it came to close.
You rebuilt the Democratic party in Virginia and made us into a powerful force for change in the Commonwealth. I can think of no politician in the Commonwealth who would be a finer Senator or a finer representative of our Commonwealth.
- James Hare, Falls Church
Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday and wonderful 2008. Thank you for your continued commitment to the citizens of Virginia. We plan to work very hard here in Roanoke to make sure you are elected as our next Senator.
- Linda Hodges, Vinton
Governor Warner,
Some states are red,
Some states are blue;
Virginians all over
Are counting on you!
TAKE US INTO A NEW ERA! WE'LL WORK HARD FOR YOUR ELECTION TO THE US SENATE.
- Sandra Lowe, Urbanna
Keeping sending in your messages before midnight, so we can surprise him tomorrow morning with his birthday gift!
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your vision."
Kevin Hall, our communications director, filed this post from Lebanon this morning, where Governor Warner was on hand to experience the culmination of two projects he helped push through while in office.
Lebanon, VA—Governor Warner visited Lebanon today to celebrate two major technology projects that will transform the economy of Southwest Virginia.
Northrop Grumman opened its “Southwest Enterprise Solutions Center—a world-class IT facility that will employ 400 people. One hour later, Governor Warner cut the ribbon on a software development facility operated by CGI. It will employ 300 people.
“This community is transforming itself into an ‘on-shore’ center of innovation and prosperity,” said CGI U.S. President Donna Morea.
Governor Warner “closed the deal” on these two exciting economic development projects in 2005. Both companies are key partners in Virginia’s ground-breaking public-private IT modernization program.
“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your vision,” Jim O’Neill, the President of Northrop Grumman’s IT division, told Governor Warner.
Governor Warner said:
“I sincerely believe that a young person in Lebanon or Martinsville or any rural part of Virginia should not have to leave their hometown to get a good job. These Southwest Virginia IT jobs are a symbol of how we must work together to help create exciting new opportunities for our people in a global economy.”
UPDATE: 12/13/07: Here are some articles from this morning’s papers and TV stations about yesterday’s good news.
- 2 IT centers open in southwest Va.
- Two large IT companies open their doors
- New technology centers open
UPDATE: 1/24/07: We just found this video from the FOX affiliate of the CGI opening in Lebanon:
Hundreds of reasons why
We've gotten over 300 responses to our call for testimonials last week, where we asked you to tell us why YOU support Mark Warner. From his accomplishments to his personality to his pragmatic approach to politics, voters from all across Virginia are excited to get Governor Warner back in public office.
Here are some of the early responses we've received. Over the next few months, we'll continue to show why Virginians want Governor Warner to be their next U.S. Senator. We hope you continue to send us your thoughts and tell us what impact Mark Warner has had on your life and why he should be your next U.S. Senator.
I served in Afghanistan & Iraq as an infantry platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division. While there, I saw firsthand how America and the world suffer from poor decisions in Washington DC, decisions made on knee-jerk reactions and the half-baked plans for a war the Bush Administration wanted to have. At the same time I was seeing those mistakes in Iraq, I remember reading my hometown newspaper online and seeing how Mark Warner was using common sense to solve Virginia's real problems. We need that kind of pragmatism and unifying approach in Washington, in dealing with America's real problems.
Jim Morin
Mark Warner made government good again. After so much badmouthing of government by Republicans and by Democrats lacking in ideas and energy, Mark Warner brought back prestige to government. He also governed in bipartisan fashion. He represents the best in the American tradition of pragmatic government. We need him in Virginia and the US needs him next!
Rene Perez-Lopez
Tidewater, Virginia
I first was introduced to Mark during his campaign for Governor of Virginia and I instantly was impressed. Mark is a man of character. He is self made. He is honest and brings a business approach to governing. He understands the needs of the people and the need to be fiscally responsible. He holds people accountable. He is willing to stir things up to get results. He has a wonderful family. I could go on and on.
B. Hunt Gunter
Richmond, Virginia
I don't care whether Mark Warner is a Democrat or Republican. He seems to be able to find common ground among differing views and then moves the people's business forward. The retiring John Warner is a great servant of Virginia and the Nation's interest. Mark Warner as Senator would ensure Virginia would continue to be represented by a statesman.
Doug Kuett
Chesapeake, Virginia
Mark Warner is a man of high integrity, intellect, and innovation. I have been teaching for 32 years, 25 of them in Virginia. I am an active member of the VEA. As governor Mr. Warner stood up for public education. We need him to do so in Congress as well. He is fiscally conservative, and prioritizes in the best interest of the people. We need his leadership at the national level.
Jane Stevens
I first met Mark Warner at a fund raiser in Danville when he first decided to run for Governor. Even though the meeting was sparsely attended Mark acted as if the room was filled. I had a chance to talk with him at length and found his answers to be honest, forthright, and refreshing. He never claimed to know all the answers but promised to listen and respond. When he became Governor he met each challenge with vigor and a determination to get to a resolution to any problem. His years as Governor dispelled any notion that he was not up for the job. I feel he would be excellent as a senator and would represent Virginia well. He has my support 110%.
Dr. Chris Dunlap
Danville, Virginia
Remember, you can send your testimonials to info@markwarner2008.com, or post a video reply to the Governor's announcement video, or even leave us a voice mail message at (703) 537-5051.