[UPDATE: See Brian Moran's statement about Jim Webb on the "flip." I love the line, "Virginia is bellwether for national politics." If that's the case, Republicans everywhere should be having panic attacks right about now.]
STATEMENT ON DECISION TO HAVE JIM WEBB RESPOND TO STATE OF THE UNION~Virginia is bellwether for national politics~
Richmond - House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian J. Moran made the following statement after Virginia Senator Jim Webb was chosen by House and Senate Democratic leaders to provide the Democratic response to George W. Bush's State of the Union address on January 20th, 2007.
"Senator Webb's exemplary service to our country as a veteran, a community leader, and now a public servant make him the perfect choice to provide the Democratic alternative to the State of the Union. I could not be more pleased to have campaigned vigorously for our new Senator and helped provide Democratic leadership for the United States Senate. As we debate an escalation in the war in Iraq, Senator Webb brings unmatched credibility and a welcomed perspective. I look forward to hearing his remarks.
Last year, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine provided a true vision and real alternative when he delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union. This year another great Virginian will have that honor. This is further proof that we are changing Virginia for the better. Our Commonwealth is being watched - across the nation and across the globe - and we will be a bellwether in the 2008 Presidential contest. The proven track record of success under Governor Warner's leadership and now Governor Kaine has made Virginia into a national model of Democratic leadership."
As always, I'm eager to hear Jim Webb. I think the Democratic leadership deserves a note of thanks and an expression of our appreciation for choosing our Senator to provide the official response.