Yesterday, U.S. Senate candidate Jim Webb made the rounds through the upper sections of Southwest Virginia. As far as I know (correct me if I am wrong), the other Democratic candidate, Harris Miller, has never been west of Roanoke. Webb's first kick-off event, you will remember, was in Gate City.
My momma didn't raise me to be road kill. I didn't become involved in this in order to just slow down George Allen. I don't have anything against George Allen. I just think we need to have a different direction in the country.
Webb also stopped by Blacksburg on his trip yesterday. Kathy had this report from the event:
132 enthusiastic voters packed the Blacksburg Public Library tonight to hear James Webb make his case for the US Senate. They liked what they heard and showed it with numerous rounds of applause.Given the recent deluge of negative attacks and spin by Harris Miller, a few folks came with a bit of reserve. But most left impressed, enthusiastic, and with Webb signs to post in their yards.
The evening featured Del. James Shuler, who endorsed James Webb and introduced him to the audience. Also announcing endorsements were Shuler's highly regarded predecessor, former Del. Joan Munford and Montgomery County, VA's, most beloved Democrat, former Virginia State Senator Madison Marye, whose wife, Charlotte, also took home a Webb sign.
The "Southwest Distress" blog author, Liberal Pi, also attended the Blacksburg event. He said:
The evening got off to a slow start as Jim became stuck in traffic on the way from a house party at Radford City Democratic Committee Chairperson Gail Montouri's home.. . .
One of the winning moments of the evening was when Jim said "I arrived late and I'll stay late to meet with everyone".
As Del. Shuler said "Jim tells it like it is." That's precisely what Mr. Webb did. Most of the people I talked to afterward thought that Jim seemed like a man of honor and conviction and intended to vote for him on June 13th.
All of this talk about November, however, is assuming that YOU are going to get yourself and a few friends out on June 13, 2006, to vote for Jim Webb in the Democratic Primary. Based on the "vibe" about Webb in Southwest Virginia, though, I cannot imagine there will be any problems of getting people out to vote for Webb. In fact, people seem really enthused for their opportunity to help elect Webb (and beat Allen).
Webb had a guest with him Wednesday: TIME reporter and author Joe Klein.
Joe recently wrote this : http://www.time.com/time/columnist/klein/article/0,9565,1069066,00.html
Interesting stuff. A sample quote : The Pew Research Center conducted an extensive survey of the American electorate, dividing voters into nine political types—and while this sort of slicing and dicing is superficial almost by definition, a stunning subtext emerged: the populist proclivities of nearly 70% of the electorate, ranging across the spectrum from "social conservatives" to "disadvantaged Democrats."
The winds of change just might be blowing in the right direction, I sure think it's time for the goverment to run a tight ship, clean up the corruption, tell the lobbyists to can it and build a better future for our kids.
Webb just might be the right guy at the right time.
Now when people ask me about Miller v. Webb, I just say he recently referred to Southwest Virginians as "people down there" and he is on the Virginia Opera board.
Suddenly they start grabbing Webb lit and yard signs out of my hands! :)