Former Gov. Mark Warner insisted Monday that he is "proud to be a Democrat" as he pursues a seat in the U.S. Senate.

But as his campaign kickoff tour rolled through Roanoke, Warner tried to cast himself as an independent voice who can cut through the partisan static in the nation's capital.

"I want Virginians to hire me again so I can go to Washington to try to end the political gridlock so we can finally get things done and get our country back on the right track," Warner said to a crowd of about 250 supporters at Roanoke's new Fire Station No. 1. "I don't know about you, but if there's ever a time for a little bit of Virginia thinking in Washington, it's right now."

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