Also...

[ericrowe]

Virginia residents should take note that there are two primary elections being held today. Republicans are voting for their congressional candidates, and Democrats are choosing a senate candidate to run against incumbent George Allen.

I'm not in the business of telling people which way to vote, but I will say that I think Jim Webb has a very

Comments

[_blackjack_]

I will say that I think Jim Webb has a very strong chance* against Allen.

Although this is, arguably, mostly because Webb is a Republican.

[ericrowe]

It's an easy criticism to make, certainly. However, I've done enough reading of his opinions to feel okay about them, and I do feel that he's the stronger candidate.

[taschoene]

I had to wrestle with this myself. Webb's said a lot of things over the years that I can't agree with (his position on women in the military, for example), and he left a lot of voids in his platform during this campaign. But when it comes down to him against lobbyist/party tool Harris Miller, it's no contest IMO. Miller can't possibly win in November, and Webb might. And he is at least a man of consistency and integrity, so even if you don't agree with him entirely, he's not going to flip-flop a whole lot.

[ericrowe]

It was absolutely not a decision I took lightly, but my concern with Miller is that his career as a lobbyist is a built-in Achilles heel - you can hear the cries of 'special-interest money' a mile away.

Interesting...

[panthergirl]

I've read the book from which the article quotes about the Scotch Irish. Very interesting read, I do believe that is the vote that left the Democrats, and it will be a tough sell to get it to come back. Webb might make inroads.

Re: Interesting...

[ericrowe]

His understanding of that subject is noteworthy, and I very much approve of statements like this one: "... the greatest realignment in modern politics would take place rather quickly if the right national leader found a way to bring the Scots-Irish and African Americans to the same table, and so to redefine a formula that has consciously set them apart for the past two centuries."

I'm also impressed by his endorsement from John Kerry, considering that he once publicly refused to shake Kerry's hand because he disapproved of Kerry's anti-war statements. The endorsement shows an ability to build bridges which I think would be very useful on the Hill.

Re: Interesting...

[taschoene]

The Kerry thing is what sealed the deal for me. Not that I respect Kerry that much, but I felt the fact that Webb could unbend enough to take his hand was a good sign.

Re: Interesting...

[ericrowe]

I agree, it's exactly that kind of gesture that sets a positive tone for future efforts.

[taschoene]

And it appears that Webb has beaten Miller by a decent margin (as of 9:15, the Post has it as 54:46 with 92 percent of precincts reporting).