15 thoughts on “Jim Webb retires”

  1. Kaine can and will reverse himself if he so chooses. I haven’t heard anything from Perriello about his future plans, other than he’s not trying to win back VA-05.

  2. I still think Webb is pushing to be SecDef when Gates leaves this summer, today’s annoucement may be his ace in the hole to complete the deal.

    If it is a November race I think Connolly is the best Dem candidate, I’m sure the state party would be thrilled to have a NoVa candidate topping the ticket as they try to hold onto their state Senate majority…

  4. First off, I don’t think it is fair to say that Perriello and Kaine are out. Both have left themselves plenty of wiggle room, and now that Webb is announcing his decision, they can express interest without looking like they were stepping on Webb’s toes.

    Gerry Connolly would be a horrible statewide candidate — he has enough trouble winning in his northern Virginia district, he would never sell statewide. Outside of ideology Connolly is viewed as too abrasive and culturally would never sell outside of the Metro DC parts of the state.

    I know conventional widsom is that Tim Kaine is the strongest possible Democratic nominee — and I agree that he has a lot of potential strength as a candidate, but my gut (and my limited experience with Virginia politics) tells me that Tom Perriello may somehow be a better nominee — his young, squeaky clean persona, coupled with his effectiveness in selling his philosophy to a conservative electorate make me think he has what it takes. I’d happily support either one of them.

  5. after a bitter republican primary, and in area with regular high turnout (good for Ds). He is very unimpressive and is a decent fit for the highly educated, government worker dominated district he holds. Statewide he’d be weak.  

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