Warner greets thousands at pig roast

2007-09-16

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

Former Gov. Mark R. Warner flashed his toothy grin and shook thousands of hands yesterday at the first public event after he announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate next year.

There were no speeches, but politics appeared to be on everyone's mind as Warner stood in the front yard at his King George County farm to greet an estimated 5,700 well-wishers at his annual pig roast.

"I need your help now," said the Democrat, who was governor from 2002 to 2006.

A line snaked outside the yard into nearby woods. Warner, dressed in a polo knit shirt, shorts and sandals, stood in line for five hours, talking patiently with each person. He also sported a large bandage on his knee, covering a gash he had suffered earlier in the day from a pickup basketball game. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine had joined Warner in one of the basketball games.

Many guests brought cameras to have their pictures taken with Warner, who had a photographer available nearby for those who didn't.

"I think he is fabulous," said Margaret Reuthinger of Bumpass. "He is a great asset to our state."

Walter Fore of Lynchburg brought Warner three jars of preserves made from grapes raised on Warner's farm. Fore said he began working with Warner when Warner ran L. Douglas Wilder's campaign for governor in 1989.

"We have been friends for almost 20 years," Fore said. "He is always the same, even though he is a millionaire."

Leni Gonzalez of Arlington, a Mexican immigrant, said, "He has the interest of all Virginians in mind."

"He is not driven by partisan politics," Alexandria businessman Rusty Conner said.

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