In two and a half years, Virginians will go to the poll to elect a US Senator. That much we know for sure. But who will be on the ballot remains a mystery.

Will the incumbent, Democrat Jim Webb, run for a second term? Will the man he beat in 2006, Republican George Allen, go for a rematch? Will someone else jump into the race like former Republican Congressman Tom Wolf or current Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello (if he loses his reelection bid this year or is redistricted out of office next year)?

There’s a lot to happen between now and November 2012, but at this stage it’s worth watching the two giants in the race: Webb and Allen.

So far, neither man is willing to say what they’ll do.

Here’s my exchange with Sen. Webb from last week.

WARREN: “Will we see your name on the ballot in two years?”

WEBB: “we’ll see.”

WARREN: “So you’re not committed?”

WEBB: “I haven’t said no.”

WARREN: “Have you enjoyed your time in the Senate?”

WEBB: “I feel like we’ve done a lot of good.”

That was as much as he’d say about it. George Allen gave a few more hints today when I talked to him, but not much.

WARREN: “You sounded an awful lot like a candidate today, are you running for something?”

ALLEN: “My political activities, Jay, are going to be with the energy freedom center and I’m going to be very engaged as I was last year for Bob McDonnell and legislative candidates all over the state. And, so this year I’m going to work for those folks. In the future, there have been a lot of folks wanting me to run. My answer is perhaps.”

WARREN: “And by run, you mean your old Senate seat in 2012?”

ALLEN: “You’re getting too specific in my evasive answer.”

While both men were evasive, I’d put my money (at least a dime) on an Allen/Webb rematch. Let me say up front, I have NO inside information on this. I’m simply reading tea leaves. But there’s quite a bit to read.

Let’s start with Senator Allen.

- He’s certainly not acting like a retired senator ready to call it quits. Instead, he’s routinely hitting all parts of the Commonwealth meeting with voters.
- He has a compelling message that is perfectly suited for the current environment: small government, no taxes, and rein in spending.
- He’s collecting plenty of political IOU’s helping a host of candidates from the local to the state level get elected.
- He’s as knowledgeable about the issues as anyone out there, no matter the topic. He can give detailed answers to energy policy, health care reform, financial legislation, and the economy. He’s engrossed in the issues.

Then, there’s Sen. Webb. Over the past three months, he’s been moving to the middle on several high profile issues. Those include:

- Frequent criticisms of the health care reform bill that he ultimately voted for. In particular, he has singled out the cost as one of his biggest concerns.
- He’s been openly critical of President Obama’s handling of the health care debate.
- He publicly announced his opposition to trying terror suspects in civilian courts.
- He supports offshore drilling.
- He’s issues written statements calling for more bipartisanship.

Sen. Webb has also increased his profile in the commonwealth, getting out from Washington and visiting the voters.

Again, these are simply tea leaves and A LOT could change over the next few months. I mean A LOT. But, as of April 6, 2010, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if both men run and if they do I believe they’ll clear the primary field. And rest assured this would be one of the marquee races of the 2012 cycle.