By George Rowand

By George Rowand

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

Michael Rowand

Special to the Rappahannock News

When Mark Warner was campaigning for governor five years ago, he made a habit of not saying what he would do if he were elected. It probably was the businessman in him — he always said, “If the people of Virginia hire me for this job ...” Now, with his time as governor coming to an end, he can look back on a successful term of office.

The man tends to light up a room when he comes in, and it was no different last week in Richmond. He bounded into the presence of these observers, and, after a few moments of pleasantries, immediately got down to business.

Warner reflected on where he thought he succeeded, where he didn’t, and what it was like to be the 69th governor of Virginia

The routine

“My day starts at about 7,” Warner said, “and I start with about 100 pages of news dips. I ride the exercise bike, watch the news, and read stories from around the state.

“Then I grab a breakfast banana and a cold coffee drink, and then it’s to the office. I get a briefing book on who I’m seeing throughout the day, and I will not usually leave the office until about 7.”

Five years ago, Warner was well known for his energetic campaigning, often starting his day at 6 and going until 11 at night or later.. There never seemed to be a hand he didn’t have the time to shake or a question that he wouldn’t answer. He doesn’t seem to have lost that enthusiasm.

“I like being with people,” he said. “If you don’t like this part of politics, I don’t see how you can do this job.”

Warner said that he spends at least two days a week travelling around the Commonwealth, meeting with people and seeing first hand what conditions are.

“I love getting around the state,” he said. “I always learn something.”