Convention Line-Up Suggests Virginia is Key for Democrats

HONOLULU — Barack Obama chose Mark Warner, Virginia’s Senate candidate and former governor, to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic convention, underscoring Democrats’ all-out effort to win the Southern state for the first time since 1964. The move announced Wednesday also raises questions about the prospects of Obama choosing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine as his running mate. Warner is to speak on Aug. 26, the second day of the convention in Denver, while the yet-to-be-named vice presidential nominee is slated to address delegates a day later on Aug. 27. Kaine is among a handful of Democrats said to be under serious consideration for the No. 2 spot. Would the Illinois senator devote two major prime-time national addresses to politicians from the same state? It’s possible, given the attention Obama already is lavishing on the state. He has visited Virginia a couple of times at least since wrapping up the nomination and is pouring money and manpower into it. ... (link)