Warner addresses economy in talk with students

Virginia's new U.S. Senator says it will take some time to turn around the economy.

Democrat Mark R. Warner stopped this afternoon at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for a give-and-take with students from the two-year school and neighboring Virginia Commonwealth University as well as small-business owners.

Warner took questions on topics including student loans, the freeze in credit markets, health care and taxes.

Warner said President-elect Barack Obama is still working on a giant plan to help revive the national economy and that a government fix is needed to put people back to work, revive consumer spending and promote new investment.

Warner told reporters later he has yet to get his committee assignments but is keen on a seat on the Commerce Committee.

Before he broke into politics by winning the governorship in 2001, Warner was a high-tech investor.

-- Jeff E. Schapiro