If Webb is such a supporter of Roe v. Wade, how COULD he have supported either Bush or Allen?  What, you say he did so because of his concerns about defense spending?  Okay.  So Miller had his reasons for making those donations to anti-choice people, too, related to ITAA.  He certainly didn't make donations to them because of their positions on reproductive freedom.

All this reflexive defensiveness about ANYONE who endorses Harris Miller (who, by the way, is NOT the epitome of all evil in the world or even Virginia or even Virginia politics, no matter what his faults) just opens the door to more questions about Jim Webb, in my opinion.

So if you're so upset about Jim Webb getting Kate Michaelman's endorsement, do you believe Webb deserves it instead?  If so, why?  Has he ever made a contribution to Planned Parenthood, NARAL, or any other organization supporting reproductive freedom?  Has he ever spoken out or done any volunteer or organizing work related to reproductive freedom?  Has he helped raise money for the cause?  Has he publicly supported pro-choice politicians?

If so, great.  I'd love to hear about it.  Information like that about Webb's history related to reproductive freedom would certainly help sway me toward Webb, not more re-hashing of information on who Miller has donated to in the past.

My point is that whether Webb donated to choice advocates is even less relevant than the matter being discussed.  We are getting side-tracked.  James Webb is pro-choice.  It sounds like he is more pro-choice (favors fewer restrictions) than Miller.  We got on this tangent because of Miller's divisive attack ads, claims that he's the only "real" Democrat, and Michelman's endorsement.  On choice, her endorsement was not reality based because she doesn't even know Webb's position, apparently.  She probably is a buddy of Miller's.  Are you?

Knowing you and the earnestness with which you advocate, I am a bit surprised, however, that you can support one who so often epitomizes Bush-lite or worse.  Bush-lite Democrats are something you and I have fought against in the past.  Especially on matters of individual liberty, honoring of workers, econic fairness, bridging divides (not causing rifts) universal health care, an auditable paper trail, no offshoring, and never ever supporting a war based on an obvious fiction -- you and I agree.  So, I'd have thought you a Webb supporter. Best wishes.  Again wish we were on the same side this time.  Still think your great....

Since I'll likely be back in VA for the general in November (and re-registering back here), though, I of course do care about beating George Allen.  Being physically away from VA most of the time has given me considerable emotional distance from this primary, but I'm still following everything.  Posts like this have inspired me to comment.  Many, many of my progressive friends like you and Lowell and so many other bloggers are supporting Webb, and I respect your views enormously.  I also still question Webb, though, since I've been desperately looking for him to vociferously repudiate and explain his past support for Allen and Bush and others.  I want to believe Webb is committed to the Democratic party, but I also want to see evidence of it.  (Like using "Democrat" on his signs?  Supporting Tim Kaine over Jerry Kilgore?)

As for Miller...I'm no buddy of Miller's.  I've never met him.  I don't think there's anything wrong with his buddies supporting him, though.  I also have friends and people that I respect enormously who are supporting him, most notably Don Beyer.  I don't think Miller is nearly as horrible a person or a candidate as some Webb supporters portray him; certainly he's preferable to Allen.  So I'd support him in the general.  But that's a pretty lukewarm recommendation, honestly. I'd support a ham sandwich over George Allen, so once you're above the level of lunch meat, bread, and mayo, you've got my vote in November.  :-) 

At this point, I'm glad I'm not around for this primary.  I fear these wounds will not heal easily.  I hope they will, because who ever wins will need a united Democratic party behind him.  (Wouldn't it be nice if it were a "her" for once?  Totally off-topic tangent...) 

It says a lot about Jim Webb that he's won you over - I know you're not an easy sell, and when a candidate really inspires you, you're worth more than your weight in gold as a supporter!

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