Jim Webb, Virginia’s junior U.S. senator widely viewed as a prospect to balance a Democratic presidential ticket with Sen. Barack Obama, announced Monday that “under no circumstances” will he be a candidate for vice president.
Webb is the second Virginia Democrat to withdraw his name for vice presidential consideration after former Gov. Mark Warner said last month he plans to focus on his Senate race against Republican James Gilmore III, and would not accept any other opportunity.
Webb said he told Obama last week of his plans to remain in the Senate, “where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country.” The decorated Vietnam War veteran and former secretary of the Navy won a narrow victory in 2006 against incumbent Sen. George Allen, and has since emerged as a Democratic leader on Iraq war policy.
“I entered elective politics because of my commitment to strengthen America’s national security posture, to promote economic fairness, and to increase government accountability,” Webb said. “I have worked hard to deliver upon that commitment, and I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate.”
Political observers said having Webb on the ticket would have strengthened the Obama campaign’s military credentials and offset those of his opponent, Sen. John McCain.
Critics pointed to Webb’s prickly reputation and his past writings, especially the 1979 Washingtonian article called “Women Can’t Fight,” as evidence that he would be more of a political liability than an asset.
The withdrawal of Webb and Warner leaves only Gov. Tim Kaine as a plausible vice-presidential pick in the Old Dominion. Kaine, in astatement Monday, called the announcement “good news for Virginia.”
