VA SEN: Dem Senators Coalesce Behind Webb
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee doesn't endorse in primaries, and you won't ever hear Sen. Chuck Schumer (D) say bad things about Harris Miller (D).
But --
The endorsement of James Webb (D) today by Sens. Harry Reid and Dick Durbin seems to be tacit recognition that nat'l Dems want Webb as their nominee.
National Dems want Miller out of the race, and soon.
Worth noting, however, is that while Webb accrues support from DC and nat'l Dems, Miller, a longtime Dem activist, is racking up endorsements from VA state legislators. Miller has the support of 17 Delegates and state Senators, including many from the ranks of the Black Caucus and Northern VA delegation, while Webb has just one legislative endorsement.
Will this be a primary driven by nat'l dynamics and pragmatism or local issues and personal loyalty?
Webb release after the jump.
Jim Webb received today support from seven past and present Senate Democrats including Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Senator and former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Christopher Dodd, Senator Ken Salazar, Democratic Senator Tim Johnson and former Senator Max Cleland.
"Jim Webb is an American hero and a genuine leader who will candidly bring the issues to the attention of the people of Virginia instead of rubberstamping the failed agenda of this President,” said Senator Cleland. "Democrats should do everything we can to get him elected to the Senate."
Jim Webb is a decorated Marine, former Secretary of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of Defense, an award-winning author and widely respected journalist. Webb was awarded, among other decorations, the Navy Cross and Silver Star for valor as a Marine.
"Jim Webb will be a strong voice of the people in the United States Senate," said Senator Johnson. “As the Senator from South Dakota, I have a great deal of respect for the thoughtful way that Jim Webb connects his rural American roots to his vision for the Democratic Party. He is a unique candidate who can both clearly articulate Democratic values and compel voters across all demographics to vote Democrat."
"I am deeply grateful for the support of all of these Senators today. This group shows the diversity of support that will propel my campaign to victory over George Allen in November," said Webb. "They represent states from all four corners of America. Their support demonstrates that our message can unify Democrats and expand the party. These Senators are an important part of the Democratic Party and have been among the party’s strongest leaders. With their support, I look forward to beating George Allen and working with them in the Senate."
Since beginning his campaign for Senate in March, Webb has secured a number of national, state and local endorsements including:
Jim Webb is a superb candidate for the Democrats. He has the military credentials and stature as a thoughtful critic of the Iraq War. His primary opponent Harris Miller continues to look the worse for wear as additional revelations about his recent past come back to haunt him. Unions and non-union information technology workers are not about to let Miller recreate himself as a "businessman" or "technology executive". Miller's many years as the pro-outsourcing lobbyist president of the ITAA and WITSA will not stay buried. Webb has already given public notice that he'll challenge Miller on this issue with his statement that he intends to become the "anti-outsourcing Senator". Miller's waffling and shifting positions on a host of issues, including Iraq undermine his credibility at every juncture.
Oooh yeah. They carry a lot of oomph in Virginia. All Webb needs to do to ensure a loss is add Hillary to his endorser list.