Thanks to Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette for this. Hey Jay, great seeing you last night at the Warner fundraiser for Webb! Oh, and thanks for the fantastic work you do for Arlington, for Virginia, and for Jim Webb!
I support Jim Webb and I want to tell you why.First, unlike many of my Democratic colleagues, I am unencumbered. I did not know either candidate 4 months ago. I am not anti-Miller, I am PRO-Jim Webb.
I+óGé¼Gäóve spoken with Jim on several occasions and found him to be an earnest and decent guy. While I do not agree with him on every position, I never expected to. I do know Jim is reliably pro-choice, believes deeply in economic fairness, and supports a strong separation of church and state.
On gay-related issues, which are particularly important to me, he supports adding sexual orientation to the hate crimes statutes, employment non-discrimination policies, and civil unions. Jim Webb is opposed to the Marshall/Newman Constitutional Amendment on the ballot in Virginia this fall. Jim and his wife joined me in April at Equality Virginia+óGé¼Gäós Commonwealth Dinner in Richmond to show his support.
I admit to a pragmatic streak as well. I think viability matters. I am convinced that Jim Webb is the ideal candidate for the Senate race in this state in this year.Jim Webb opposed the Iraq War before it started and has consistently spoken out against it ever since. He was Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan administration. This man will have broad appeal across the political spectrum in Virginia, will generate enthusiasm, and capture national attention. Jim Webb can win in November.
I was pushed over the edge, however, when I watched Webb+óGé¼Gäós performance on the Colbert Report! He was hammered by a professional comedian, and he held up well. His memorable line was, +óGé¼+ôIt is time for people to return to the Democratic Party.+óGé¼-¥ I want that message spread throughout Virginia and throughout the U.S.
This is our year. The issues of national security and international affairs will be prominent. Jim Webb has a record of personal and professional leadership on national security issues that give him instant credibility. Only Jim Webb can publicly challenge George Allen and George Bush and hold them accountable for their dismal records.
I urge you to join me in supporting Jim Webb.
Jay Fisette
Member, Arlington County Board
www.fisette.org