In case you’re wondering why Democrat R. Creigh Deeds’ TV ads feature Sen. Mark R. Warner and not Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, here’s your answer. Warner, who served as Virginia’s chief executive from 2002 to 2006, is Virginia’s most popular governor of the last 20 years, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling. Warner was the choice of 40 percent of respondents, followed by another governor-turned senator, Republican George Allen, at 31 percent.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who recently has been criticized by state Republican leaders for his out-of-town trips as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, says his security detail on those trips cost less than $10,000 in his first six months in the post. Kaine said he has kept records of the security expenditures and has instructed the DNC to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs.

The other day we received a release from the Republican Governors Association that excoriated Tim Kaine for serving not only as Virginia’s governor but also as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The statement identifed Kaine as a “part-time governor” and concluded that Virginia deserved a governor who devotes “all his attention to the commonwealth.“

Virginia’s U.S. Senate campaign is ending up pretty much as it began—under the radar. The contest to replace Sen. John W. Warner, R-Va., was largely overshadowed by the historic presidential campaign. And from the beginning, former Gov. Mark R. Warner had lopsided advantages over former Gov. Jim Gilmore in support and in fundraising.