As suspected by many, Virginia Sen. Jim Webb will not run for re-election in 2012. Here is the press release:
It has been a great and continuing privilege to serve in the United States Senate. I am very proud of my talented and dedicated staff, which has worked tirelessly to resolve the issues on which I based my candidacy, and to protect the interests of all Virginians in this national forum. Among other contributions we have given our Post- 9/11 veterans the best GI Bill since World War Two; we have taken the lead in reforming our criminal justice system; we have led the way toward stronger relations in East and Southeast Asia; and we have been a strong voice in calling on China to act more responsibly in the world community. We will continue to work on these and other issues throughout the rest of my term.
However, after much thought and consideration I have decided to return to the private sector, where I have spent most of my professional life, and will not seek re-election in 2012.
Webb was a long shot when he announced in 2006, and his win over George Allen was a huge upset, and the beginning of a string of Democratic wins in the Commonwealth that ended with the Republican sweep in 2009. As a senator, Webb wasn't perfect -- his votes against DADT repeal, for instance -- but his stands against the Iraq War and his work on criminal-justice reform were more than welcome. In particular, Webb will be missed for his attention to the problem of mass incarceration.
In addition, Webb's departure has greatly increased the odds of George Allen becoming the next senator from Virginia. The Democratic bench in Virginia is extremely thin, and the only Democrats with anything approaching statewide recognition are Tim Kaine -- current chair of the Democratic National Committee -- and Tom Perriello, the former representative for Virginia's 5th District. Kaine is the obvious favorite to replace Webb. In early polling, he's ahead of all potential GOP challengers, with nearly double-digit leads over Attorney General (and right-wing favorite) Ken Cuccinelli and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, and a smaller four point advantage over Allen. He has denied interest in a run, but it's possible that he'll reverse his position, like he did after the White House pressed him to take the job at the DNC.
As for Perriello: an unabashed progressive in a conservative district, he received wide praise from liberals across the country. Despite losing, he outperformed every Virginia House Democrat in 2010, and is a viable Webb alternative, trailing Allen by 5 points. If Virginia's 2012 electorate looks anything like its 2008 electorate, then Perriello has a real shot at winning the election, if he runs.
For my part, I think Perriello would be better off skipping this election. Democrats need someone to face Cuccinelli when he runs for governor in 2013 (you heard it here first), and Perriello is best suited for that task, especially if he remains in the public eye. With his decent favorability numbers and past experience, Tim Kaine is the best possible choice to replace Webb as the Democratic nominee, and with any luck, he'll jump into the race.
