PHOTOPHILE- Mark-ed enthusiasm: Warner kickoff tour hits downtown

With the nation's focus on the race for the White House, former governor Mark Warner (D) came to Charlottesville Tuesday, May 6, to remind voters of the other office on the ballot in November, and that he's running for it.

With Sen. John Warner (R, no relation) opting for retirement instead of a re-election campaign, Mark Warner laid out the reasons why he should fill the vacancy: his desire to end the partisanship smothering Washington. 

"You have to recognize that good ideas don't come with a ‘D' or an ‘R' attached to them," he told the crowd of about 300 people. "I'll work with anyone to make sure all Virginians get the same shot I got."

The assembled crowd was a who's who of Charlottesville Democrats, with one prominent Republican exception.

Former mayor Blake Caravati and Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Chapman

City councilors Julian Taliaferro and David Brown

Fifth District congressional candidate Tom Perriello courts a potential voter.

With City Hall's flag flapping in the background, Warner makes his case for why he should go to the U.S. Senate.

Mayor Dave Norris, Delegate David Toscano, UVA cardiology chair Dr. George Beller, city councilor David Brown, and Crutchfield founder and CEO Bill Crutchfield listen to the former governor's remarks.

Bill Crutchfield and Warner exchange a few words after the rally. The stereo magnate is a self-identified Republican but crossed party lines to introduce and formally endorse Mark Warner at the event. (He also recently blasted local officials for discarding dredging as a solution to water woes.)

A Warner staffer makes sure the Free Speech Monument is squeaky clean of offensive language before his candidate's arrival.

It seems, however, that not everyone passing by the wall wanted to stay "on message."

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