Mark Warner

Mark Warner won Virginia's 2008 Senate election against Jim Gilmore. A businessman and politician, Warner formerly served as the governor of Virginia. He had been considered a viable contender for president before announcing in 2006 that he would not seek the office.The New York Times: Ex-Gov. Warner Decides to Forgo White House Run (October 13, 2006) On August 26, 2008, Warner gave the keynote speech on the second day of the Democratic National Convention held in Denver, Colorado.Newsvine: DNC Keynote Speaker Mark Warner On Coming Battle... (August 26, 2008)

Warner's political success in the electorally important state of Virginia has garnered him many expectations on a national level. He was popularly expected to announce his candidacy for the 2008 Presidential Election before declining the run in 2006.The New York Times: Ex-Gov. Warner Decides to Forgo White House Run (October 13, 2006) Furthermore, Warner's speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention was scheduled during a high-profile time slot which increased his national exposure. It is the same time slot in which Barack Obama spoke during the 2004 convention, which helped to put Obama in the national spotlight.

Warner announced he would run for the Senate after current Senator representative John Warner (R), said he will not run for reelection. The two are not related, although they share the same last name. Polls before the 2008 Election indicated Mark Warner having a strong lead over his opponent, Republican Jim Gilmore.Pollster.com: 2008 Virgina Senate General Election

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• 1954: Born December 15, in Indianapolis, Indiana

• 1977: Becomes first person in his family to graduate from college when he graduates from George Washington University

• 1980: Graduates from Harvard Law School

• 1989: Marries Lisa Collis

• 1996: Loses bid for Senate against incumbent John Warner

• 2002-2006: Governs Virginia with high approval ratings

• 2006: Widely expected to run in 2008 presidential campaign

• 2006: Declares on October 12, that he will not be making a presidential bid

• 2007: Announces his candidacy for the Senate on September 13

• 2008: Name mentioned as a possible Vice-Presidential candidate

• 2008: On August 26, spoke at Democratic National Convention