Mark Warner coming to New Jersey for U.S. Senate fundraiser

Democratic Party fundraisers John Graham and Michael Kempner have scheduled a Sept. 22 money event for former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who’s running for U.S. Senate to succeed retiring Sen. John Warner (R-VA).

Members of the Clinton fundraising team called the Group, Graham and Kempner have their own ties to Warner, whom they talked to last year during the run-up to the Democratic presidential primary.

At the time, Warner was mulling a presidential run.

He ultimately opted instead for a U.S. Senate bid. By helping to raise money for the Virginian, Graham and Kempner still have their eye on presidential politics.

"We want to do this in light of what’s going on in Virginia," said Graham. "In the presidential race, Virginia’s a toss-up state. Our outreach to Mark Warner is to help him turn that into a Democratic state."

Graham said part of his calculus with the event is to help Sen. Robert Menendez (D-Union City), vice chair of the Senate Senatorial Campaign Committee. But sources say other members of the Group were hesitant to back other than New Jersey federal candidates; and wondered about helping Warner, who already locks like a lock. 

Although by acclimation Warner underwhelmed in his keynote address to the Democratic National Convention last month, he remains popular in his home state, and well-positioned to win.

Graham said he believes Warner could dominate his Senate race with 60% of the vote.

"That kind of victory could win Virginia for Barack Obama," said Graham, a sentiment shared by Newark Mayor Cory Booker, New Jersey co-chair of Obama’s campaign.

Rasmussen puts Warner at 57 percent to 34 percent over his Republican opponent, former Gov. Jim Gilmore.

Asked in Denver which Southern state Obama had the best shot at winning, Booker didn’t hesitate.

"Virginia," he said.