Virginia Democratic Sen.-elect Jim Webb has had a busy week. His wife gave birth to his fifth child on Monday, and after spending some timewith family, it was back to work as he prepared to make job offers for staff position openings.
“The most important priority is to assemble a real first-rate staff,” Webb’s Chief of Staff Paul Reagan told The Examiner. “We’re reaching out to people for ideas about putting together a good staff in the state and in the D.C. office.
“It’s a very time-consuming process,” he added. “Slowly, it’s coming together.”
Webb’s transition team has extensive experience in Virginia, including Tom Lehner, former chief of staff for Sen. Charles Robb, and former Virginia Congressman Owen Pickett. Lehner said Webb is focusing on staffing his office with people who are familiar with Virginia but also know how to navigate the halls of Congress.
“The kind of individuals he needs to consider are people who obviously have a shared interest in issues Jim is working on, a good understanding of the Senate and its function, and a good understanding of Virginia and the issues facing different groups in Virginia,” he said.
Reagan said Webb’s staff would be moving into an office in the Russell Office Building on Capitol Hill next week. He will stay in that office until the permanent office selection process proceeds.
Webb also plans to open offices in Richmond, Roanoke, Tidewater and eventually one in southwest Virginia. Reagan said staff would eventually number between 30 and 40.
Reagan said Webb has also been focusing on Iraq and related issues.
“He’s talking to a lot of his colleagues in the Senate and other leading people from around the country,” Reagan said.
