Tim Craig has the scoop:
Sen. James Webb said today he is endorsing Leslie L. Byrne in the race for the Democratic nomination in the 11th congressional district."I am convinced that Leslie Byrne is our best candidate," Webb said in a statement." Leslie shares my values about economic fairness and the need to re-order our national security policies - both in Iraq and throughout the world. In her service as a state legislator and member of Congress, Leslie Byrne has demonstrated time and again that she is tough, fiercely independent and willing to stand up to powerful special interests. I would be proud to serve in Congress with her."
Great news - thanks to Jim Webb and GO LESLIE!
P.S. Chap's in the photo as well because he endorsed Leslie too. :)
P.P.S. For those who don't remember, Leslie Byrne was one of Jim Webb's earliest and strongest supporters in early 2006. In essence, Byrne gave Webb the "Democratic Seal of Approval" he needed. Byrne's top opponent this year, Gerry Connolly, was a strong supporter of Harris Miller.
UPDATE: There's more to the press release that wasn't in Tim Craig's original story:
"The Democratic Party has fielded outstanding candidates for the primary, including Gerry Connolly - the Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The winner of our primary must be able to serve effectively in the House of Representatives and reflect the values that are important to citizens in the 11th District. Through their service in the community and in government, our leading candidates can certainly do that."As the primary season begins, I look forward to a positive and spirited contest in the 11th District. As in my 2006 Senate campaign and the governor races that preceded it, and as with the recent Presidential primary, I hope we can continue to attract new people to the Democratic Party and its ideals. At the end of this process, I expect 11th District Democrats to stand united behind our nominee. And I expect us to win in November."
I expect us to win in November as well -- with Leslie Byrne as our nominee. Go Leslie!
Leslie was there for Jim, and he's going to be there for her in this race.
Great work Jim Webb!
As for the Obama endorsement people want from Webb - there isn't the same dynamic. In fact, I believe both Clintons did do some campaigning for Webb. I don't recall what Obama did during the Webb campaign. So there is certainly no push-pull for Webb doing a Presidential endorsement. It may still happen, but it's not a no-brainer like the 11th district endorsement.
"The Democratic Party has fielded outstanding candidates for the primary, including Gerry Connolly - the Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The winner of our primary must be able to serve effectively in the House of Representatives and reflect the values that are important to citizens in the 11th District. Through their service in the community and in government, our leading candidates can certainly do that."As the primary season begins, I look forward to a positive and spirited contest in the 11th District. As in my 2006 Senate campaign and the governor races that preceded it, and as with the recent Presidential primary, I hope we can continue to attract new people to the Democratic Party and its ideals. At the end of this process, I expect 11th District Democrats to stand united behind our nominee. And I expect us to win in November."
What makes you think that I am a Connolly fan? I just wanted to point out that there was more to the press release than met the eye on RK.
I like Byrne, I like Connolly, and I like Denneny. I have yet to make up my mind. Your spin that leaving out valuable information from a press release -- specifically the unusual fact that Webb had kind words for Connolly in a statement supporting Byrne -- because it sounded like "mumbo jumbo" is a pretty weak argument.
You shouldn't be so sensitive, snarky and dismissive of other points of view. Is this a "community" or a "closed community?"