From today's Washington Post Politics Hour online chat comes a Q&A on the 2006 Virginia Senate race.
Richmond, Va.: James Webb has been a candidate for US Senate from Virginia for almost three weeks now, yet we've heard almost nothing from him. Meanwhile, Harris Miller continues to work hard and just announced a top-notch staff. Do you think Webb has waited too long at this point, or does he still have time? Overall, how do you view the Virginia Senate contest shaping up?John F. Harris: As a former Virginia political reporter, I can't help take this one--even as I hasten to point out that our Virginia coverage is handled very capably by the Post's Metro section, not by me as national political reporter.
Both Harris Miller, who I knew years ago from my Virginia days, and James Webb, who I do not know, might be promising candidates. In general, however, incumbent Republican George Allen is a formidable politician and defeating him this year would amount to a huge political upset. I could only see it happening if Republicans were swamped by larger political trends.
Guess we all had better prepare to be swamped! Heh.
The first question apparently prompted two more questions on the Virginia Senate race:
Alexandria, Va.: If Webb can beat Allen, would Virginia be the first state to have two Senators that were both former Secretaries of the Navy?John F. Harris: Interesting thought. That would have to be a first, don't you think?
Sen. John Warner was secretary of the navy during the Nixon years.
Looks like we'll have two former Secretaries of the Navy as our Senators while we're getting swamped.
And finally, there's this:
Virginia Beach, Va.: If I were the Democrats, I'd let George Allen win. He would be much easier to beat in 2008 than John McCain. Right now, Hillary would beat Allen (or any other conventional conservative Republican). But she would lose to McCain (although that might change if McCain becomes more widely viewed as a conservative Republican).John F. Harris: You are really figuring out the angles several steps in advance.
Interesting thought, one that has crossed my Machiavellian mind several times. Who do you think would win if it came down to Mark Warner vs. George Allen in 2008? How about Hillary vs. Allen? Hillary vs. McCain? Warner vs. McCain? Warner vs. Giuiliani? This could get interesting.
But first, before we get to 2008, we've got an extremely important election for U.S. Senate right here in Virginia. And before we get to THAT, we've got a primary on June 13 between James "American Hero" Webb and Harris Miller. My personal prediction? Webb wins the nomination and goes on to defeat George Allen, 52%-48%. Hey, you heard it here first! :)
P.S. Speaking of the "American Hero," if you want to meet him, he's planning to be at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria this Saturday morning. At long last, it looks like this campaign is starting to rock and roll. As Josh likes to say, "the waiting is the hardest part." But now, with the key staff and an office in place, the waiting appears to be over. I don't know about you, but I'm psyched; GO WEBB!!