"Webb's Influence in Ascent"

By: Lowell
Published On: 9/9/2007 6:43:07 PM

In today's Richmond Times Dispatch, Jeff Schapiro writes about Jim Webb's "influence in ascent" following John Warner's retirement announcement:

Warner's retirement leaves Webb as the only Virginian on Armed Services. That will enhance Webb's stature at home, his influence on the committee and standing within the Democratic caucus.

Simply put: Webb becomes Virginia's go-to guy on matters military and the billions in taxpayer bucks associated with them -- not just for base communities but for big contractors.

This will probably put Webb's political fundraising on auto-pilot and fuel talk about him as a vice presidential prospect.

That last paragraph is intriguing, and something I hadn't thought about - the money implications of Sen. Webb becoming Virginia's senior senator.  Speaking of money, isn't Mark Warner worth more than $100 million?  Looks like Virginia's senators are not going to be having any financial difficulties anytime soon! 

P.S.  Does anyone else find the heavy potential influence of the military-industrial complex on our representatives a bit troubling?  As President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist."

Comments



on the military industrial complex (Jambon - 9/9/2007 7:30:39 PM)
I almost hate the term cause it sounds so "conspiracyish" and I find people often roll their eyes at me when I try to explain it to them.  But in reality it's just a VERY influential industrial lobby tied to govt that has a LOT of financial incentives to militarize our society and to advocate for war (thru think tanks, such as uhh, PNAC).

If you haven't done so already you should rent "Why We Fight" which is a 2005 documentary about the military industrial complex.  It is VERY well made film and not overly conspiratorial in the least.  I'd actually say it's the best non Michael Moore documentary I've seen since "The Corporation".  I'm not sure if blockbuster has it but I got it off Netflix.

Here's a link to the film and trailer:

http://www.sonyclass...



Webb's Ascent.... and Always Faithful Trust in my senior Representative (Tony Mastalski - 9/9/2007 10:03:54 PM)
I very much appreciate the implication of being a "powerful" senior senator and the influence of the military / industrial complex as alluded to in the RTD article.

I have absolutely NO concern that the honorable Senator Webb will cater to such military / industrial interest.  Jim Webb will conduct himself (to the chagrin of the run of the mill lobbyiest) as an honorable servant of the people, with the best interest of his common man constituents in mind.

He is NOT Bought. He will NOT waiver from the goals and  vision he set forth in his recent campaign. To suggest such is crap. I don't think Jim Webb could care a hoot about PAC money from any big name corporate lobbyiest.

I mean really .... think about how he campaigned!!! It's just not a priority for him. So yes... Jim Webb is the right person at the right time ... and the Democratic Party and the nation as a whole should embrace and value his resolute INTEGRITY.

Webb for Senate .... when INTEGRITY matters!!

Cheers to all my Webbhead friends ....  your hard fought efforts really have mattered!!!



Integrity is important (novamiddleman - 9/10/2007 6:23:04 AM)
and Jim has had a fairly decent record so far.  A big test will be his reaction to Iraq this week.  He was kowtowing a bit too much to the Democratic establishment last time around IMHO. 

At the same time however.  The defense industry and the associated consultants that support it are a giant employeer/industry in greater NoVa, Hampton Roads, and arguably throughout Virginia.  It would be foolish and irresponsible to ignore these facts.  This does not mean the Senator would be bought but just looking our for an industry that has a major impact on the state economy and hundreds of thousands of individuals. 



Here's a fun idea (Chris Guy - 9/9/2007 10:11:12 PM)
People talk about "shadow cabinets" for presidential candidates. What committees would a Sen. Mark Warner serve on? Predictions:

*Armed Services
*Budget
*Small Business and Entrepreneurship
*Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs



Nah, not on Armed Services (DanG - 9/9/2007 10:32:39 PM)
Think more business/economy/technology for Senator MARK Warner.


I didn't think so at first (Chris Guy - 9/9/2007 10:57:17 PM)
It's just hard to imagine a Virginia Senator not on the committee. I could think of 8 or 9 all told, he'd have a lot to consider.