Piggy-backing off of Brian's post wondering about Webb's future, I have to wonder just exactly what Gov. Bob McDonnell would do should a Senate vacancy arise. Brian seems to assume that he would name Allen right away, but is that smart? Of all people, McDonnell is someone who does not like to rock the boat inside the party and usually does things pretty cerebrially and without notice. I've blogged about this question before, but it bears repeating now that Allen is officially in the race.
I still think Gov. McDonnell will name a place-holder rather than directly name Allen. While I'm not sold that Jamie Radtke is some Virginia version of Marco Rubio, I think him taking sides would anger many Tea Party folks and those further down the Republicna spectrum from where the governor sits. I would be shocked if Allen were made senator by McDonnell if Webb did leave to serve in the cabinet.
What do you all think? Would McDonnell hand a seat to Allen if Webb went to the DOD. Or would he find a elder statesman placeholder like Thelma Drake that everyone can support in the interim?
based on what brian wrote there would be a senate election in 2011 topping the ticket. So the place holder might as well be the person running for it. there is no point in the commonwealth having 4 different senators in less than a year (including warner and webb in that number)
Posted by: aron | January 24, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I don't think Thelma Drake would like you calling her a "statesman" nor is she in the least, someone who could garner widespread support among the torture and domestic spying aficionados, who pine for a return to the Allen-Bush years.
Mr. McDonnell will appoint anyone who his multinational handlers tell him to appoint, then McD will go back to trying to give away our roads our ports and every other state owned asset that can be "outsourced" via a long term contract (and who knows how much cash on the side).
Posted by: J. Tyler Ballance | January 25, 2011 at 12:59 AM
If McDonnell does appoint someone, I think the best odds would be on Bill Mims.
Posted by: VA Blogger | January 25, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Doubt Bill Mims resigns from the Sup. Court for one half year as a US senator. Unless Mims plans to run for a full term he'll probably say no thanks.
Posted by: SE VA MWC Alum | January 25, 2011 at 01:37 PM
John Warner
Posted by: Aaron | January 25, 2011 at 02:29 PM
Sorry, I forgot Mims went to the bench; thought he went back into private practice.
Posted by: VA Blogger | January 25, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I think Johhn Warner would be the perfect choice for an interim pick. Sure some hardliner conservatives would bitch and complain, but that's truly a guy who could step in and immediately know what he's doing in the office, and there would be basically no chance he runs again. That is, if he would do it.
Posted by: Loudoun Insider | January 25, 2011 at 05:16 PM
It would depend when Webb steps down and/or gets appointed SecDef, doesn't it? If this happens after July 2011. then McDonnell might as well appoint George Allen since the election would be in 2012 anyway. The cynic in me says that Senate Republicans could slow walk a Webb nomination long enough to take it past July 2011, but I think DoD is too important to leave vacant that long.
Personally, I would rather see Bill Bolling as Senator anyway, but I think that topic has already received quite a bit of discussion.
Ummm, how about Jerry Kilgore as a place holder?
Posted by: Isophorone | January 25, 2011 at 08:28 PM
The perfect Republican: Former Delegate Chris Saxman! His credentials appeal to both moderates and conservatives. He will not be a disappointing appointment
Posted by: Fairfax Conservative | January 26, 2011 at 01:38 AM
The Republican bench is strong. Allen, Bolling, Cuccinelli, Corey Stewart, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, Thelma Drake, etc. would all be strong picks to retain the seat. If McDonnell's looking for a placeholder, John Hager, who should have been governor, would be a great pick, as would Jay Katzen. Keith Fimian and Gen. Peter Pace would also be interesting picks. I think Warner is up in years and done with politics.
Posted by: novasucks | January 28, 2011 at 02:41 AM