Former governor visits Monterey By Anne Adams • Staff Writer
MONTEREY - It's not every day Virginia's least populated county seat entertains a nationally recognized leader, but Monterey residents siezed the opportunity last Friday to shake hands with former Gov. Mark Warner.
Warner's longtime friend Susan Swecker of Richmond, along with Charlotte Schooler and Tate Swecker of Monterey, hosted lemonade and cookies with the governor and invited all Highland County residents to meet him.
Warner had taken one of his daughters to camp in Bath County, and traveled to Monterey with Sen. Creigh Deeds Friday afternoon, where they bought homemade goodies at The Highland Center's Farmers' Market followed by the gathering on Main Street in the courtyard.
"It was of course great having him in the county again," said supervisor Robin Sullenberger.
The nearly 50 residents who attended agreed, saying he was gracious and easy-going.
"Mark Warner is unquestionably one of the most charismatic people I've ever met in any venue, and he can pretty much write his own ticket, whatever he wants to do next," Sullenberger added.
Warner had been widely hailed as a solid contender for president until he decided not to pursue that avenue last year, citing the need to focus more on his family.
At this point, Virginian voters are eager to see whether he will choose to run for governor again in 2009, or enter a race for the senate if Sen. John Warner (no relation) retires after this term. Most Highlanders who were asked Friday said they'd like to see Warner sit in the governor's seat once more, following Gov. Tim Kaine's current term.
"I think he's weighing his options," Sullenberger said about Warner's choices. "But it will be to this state's advantage to have him in either role. He's such a strong leader that he will do well for us anywhere he ends up."
Susan Swecker said she didn't know what he might decide. "It was a great turnout for a Friday evening," she said, "and I know he will be back at some point as a candidate. Only time will tell for what office."
Deeds, who's own political future is also a point of debate, told county residents he was delighted to return to Monterey. Deeds served as Highland's state delegate for many years before voting regions were redefined by redistricting. Once his district no longer included Highland County, Deeds made a successful run for senator, where he currently represents Bath County.
Most recently, Deeds made a bid for attorney general that made headlines when the votes were so close that weeks of recounting followed. Though the recount did not put Deeds in the attorney general's seat then, many believe he will try again. Deeds would not say Friday whether he'll go down that road. "We'll see what happens," he said.
"I really appreciate Creigh coming to Highland again," Sullenberger said. "It was nice to have him here. He's always been a great friend to Highland County."
Many attending Friday's gathering noted what they perceived as a change in Virginia's political climate - voters moving away from the historically solid Republican tradition. Warner, a Democrat, was widely lauded as a conservative, business-oriented leader who made Virginia one of the most solidly run states in the country.
"Warner has the ability to cross boundaries, and it would be good to have him back in a leadership position," Sullenberger added.
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