Virginia United States Senate election, 1996

The Virginia United States Senate election of November 5, 1996 was notable for some reasons: this was one of the strongest challenge which faced popular Republican United States Senator John Warner. His Democratic opponent, a relatively unknown Mark Warner (no relation) because of his strong showing gained political positions, which led him to election as Governor or Virginia in 2001. He was and remaining one of the most popular Governor's in Virginia history and is now is is running for the same seat John Warner retire in 2008.

This race was known as "Warner v. Warner", because two candidates had the same name despite no relations.

Republican nomination

John Warner, a moderate Republican who held this Senate seat from 1979, was and remaining a popular and powerful political figure. A former United States Secretary of the Navy, he was at this time Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.

He easily won renomination, despite opposition of number of conservative Republican, who distrusted him because of his moderate position (Warner is pro-choice, pro-gun control and refused to support 1994 Senate nominee Oliver North due to his role in Iran-Contra Affair).

In primary, hold on June 11, Warner defeated his opponent, James C. Miller, III [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=15718 Our Campaigns - VA US Senate - R Primary Race - Jun 11, 1996 ] ] .

* John Warner (inc.) - 323,520 (65.55%)
* James C. Miller III - 170,015 (34.45%)

Warner was endorsed by such notable figures as Bob Dole, George H. W. Bush and Collin Powell, while Miller won a support from NRA [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=15718 Our Campaigns - VA US Senate - R Primary Race - Jun 11, 1996 ] ] .

Democratic nomination

Candidates:
* Representative Leslie Byrne
* Businessman Mark Warner
* Former independent gubernatorial and senate candidte Nancy B. Spannaus

Convention tally (June 8) [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=15719 Our Campaigns - VA US Senate - D Senate Convention Race - Jun 08, 1996 ] ] :
* Warner - 626 (66.53%)
* Byrne - 301 (31.99%)
* Spannaus - 14 (1.49%)

General election

Election result [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=188 Our Campaigns - VA US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1996 ] ]

* John Warner (R) (inc.) - 1,235,743 (52.48%)
* Mark Warner (D) - 1,115,981 (47.39%)
* Others - 2,987 (0.13%)

Aftermath

John Warner was re-elected without Democratic opposition in 2002, beating in a huge landslide independent candidate Spannaus. He declined to run for re-election in 2008.

Mark Warner was elected Governor, and served from 2002 to 2006. He left office with a high popularity and was thought to be leading contender for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination (after he decided against run, for Vice Presidential slot). He stated he would not run against John Warner again, because of his friendly terms. However, after John Warner declined to run, he announced candidacy and now has a clear lead in polls against Republican other former Governor Jim Gillmore.

References