The Hill News

The junior senator from Virginia said he was not completely surprised when his senior colleague, Sen. Jim Webb (D), announced he would not seek reelection.

Speaking with local Virginia radio station WINA on Thursday, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said Webb did not decide to run for reelection because of his 2012 prospects.

"It wasn't a question of who he was running against or how much money he could raise," Warner said. "I wasn't totally surprised, I was disappointed."

Webb announced Wednesday he would not seek reelection in 2012, making former Sen. George Allen (R) the favorite in the race. Democrats have promised to field a strong candidate to keep the seat, and Allen is likely to face a primary challenge.

Webb is one of three senators who caucus with Democrats ! who have announced their retirement this year. The other two are Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.).