Mark Warner endorses Brandon Bell, stumps for John Edwards

By: Jarett Henshaw | WSLS 10
Published: November 04, 2011

ROANOKE, VA --

"I'm proud to be here to support Brandon Bell,” announced U.S. Senator Mark Warner, in Vinton Friday evening.

Backing the former Republican, turned Independent Brandon Bell, caught many by surprise.

I asked Warner, “Why are you endorsing someone who used to be a Republican?”

Warner responded, "If there's one thing that's clear from Washington is this is a time where we need to check our Democrat and Republican hats at the door, and put our American hats and our Virginia hats first."

Dozens of supporters were on hand at the Vinton War Memorial, including several Democratic Party leaders.

Given the make-up of the crowd, I had to ask of Bell, “Does this make you the de facto Democrat (in the race)?”

Bell responded, "No I don't think so at all. His (Warner) basically whole service has been about working across the aisle."

I questioned Warner, “This endorsement, is it in response at all to any favors, or him being in favor of your agenda in the past?”

Warner responded, “Listen, Brandon was always an independent voice when I was Governor. He's not probably voted for more things I've supported."

Then later in the evening, Warner had a more tradition campaign rally at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, for Democratic State Senator John Edwards.

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers pumped up the crowd early. Then Warner took to the podium to try to help the Edwards get re-elected in the 21st District.

I asked Warner about the Democratic Party's need to retain Edward's Senate seat. “Nobody has a stronger voice for education, and making sure that Virginia stays moving forward, and I think it's really important. I got respect for his opponent, but John Edwards deserves to be returned come Tuesday," Warner said.

Edwards says they'll be working hard on getting out the vote for next Tuesday.

"We feel very good. We feel energized. We're getting support everyday from all over the district, and I feel very, very good. It's a matter of getting people to get out the vote,” said Edwards.

I've heard similar comments from both sides of the aisle, and it’s obvious that voter turnout will be a key factor come Tuesday.