The Guardian pimps out former Virginia Governor Mark Warner

hard

Four years ago, Warner won office by a margin of seven per cent in a state that's solidly Republican in presidential elections. After one term as governor (Virginia's limit) his approval rating is close to 80 per cent. He has shown fiscal responsibility, expanded healthcare, spent more on education and his administration frequently wins national awards for civic management. Warner is known as a political realist who seems to be able to speak beyond entrenched party positions. 'My reason for plunging into politics is to try to turn the political debate from left-right to future-past,' he told The Observer. 'I think this country is tired of ideological zealots from both sides. We need to be able to talk without calling each other right-wing crazies or left-wing loonies.'