The Virginian-Pilot: Who'll carry the standard for Democrats in VA Senate race?

By: Mitch Dworkin
Published On: 6/12/2006 9:59:24 PM

Hello Everyone:

Please see The Virginian-Pilot article below titled "Who'll carry the standard for Democrats in VA Senate race?"

When you read this article, please see what Democrats are saying about how much less electable that Harris Miller would be against George Allen compared to how much more electable that Jim Webb would be if he wins the Virginia Democratic primary to challenge George Allen on June 13:

"Sandra Brandt, Democratic chairwoman of the 2nd Congressional District, was backing Jim Webb, a longtime Republican advocate who crossed partisan lines a few years ago. "It's time for the party to take a bold step," she said.

Brandt said Webb can beat Republican incumbent Sen. George Allen in November, but added, "I don't know if Harris can..."

Webb's most notable endorsements come from outside Virginia. He has been backed by nine Democratic U.S. senators, including Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Charles Schumer of New York, who heads the fund raising Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

"With Jim Webb as the Democratic nominee in Virginia, we have the best chance to give George Allen a run for his money," according to a statement released by Schumer last week. "He's our best hope for defeating Allen in November."

Webb also has been endorsed by five retired generals who have been critical of President Bush's actions in Iraq, including Wesley Clark, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004."

Look at what even Republican supporters of George Allen are saying about Harris Miller and how he is "unelectable" against George Allen in the general election:

http://vaconservative.com/archives/2006/06/12/dem-senate-primary-tomorrow/

"Second, Harris Miller is just as unelectable as he was first thought to be. Throughout the campaign, Miller has lived up to his reputation as a northern Virginia lobbyist/Democrat activist. No one questioned his credentials as a liberal and no one does as we enter into the Primary. The key to remember though, is that no liberal has won who didn+óGé¼Gäót have to cover up his credentials as a lefty going into the November election. Can Miller even attempt to do that now? Looking into recent past, successful Democrat state-wide candidates for office:

(A) had no record and covered up their intentions with conservative rhetoric (think Warner+óGé¼Gäós, +óGé¼+ôI will not raise taxes pledge+óGé¼-¥),

(B) Were not at the top of the ticket and were swept in on the coat tails of others (think Kaine in +óGé¼-£01 and +óGé¼-£05)

Miller has no coattails to benefit from and although he has no record, his own rhetoric will sink him. And lets not forget that lobbyists and NOVA Democratic activists have a hard time translating their campaigns into votes south of Fredericksburg anyway."

The Virginia Senate race in 2006 has a huge amount on the line with George Allen being an extreme Neocon ideologue and with his being a huge player already having "front-runner" status with the Neocon GOP activist grassroots in the 2008 Presidential election which is very extensively and credibly documented:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/5213

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/5562

I strongly urge all Virginia Democrats to read this and seriously consider who is the most electable candidate against George Allen in the general election between Jim Webb and Harris Miller before you vote on Tuesday!

Jim Webb wins big in the electability department (as well as in the national security department) in the general election against ideologue George Allen in my opinion!

If you want the best chances to defeat George Allen in 2006, then please vote for and support Jim Webb in the Virginia Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 13!

Please forward this on to Virginia Democrats!

Mitch Dworkin

http://www.securingamerica.com/

http://securingamerica.com/webb
Gen. Wes Clark's endorsement of Jim Webb against George Allen

http://www.webbforsenate.com/
Jim Webb for Senate website

http://webb.bluestatedigital.com/page/s/join
Sign up to receive Jim Webb for Senate campaign E Mails!

https://secure.webbforsenate.com/page/contribute
Please contribute what you can to help Jim Webb! 

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http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=105873&ran=13296

Who'll carry the standard for Democrats in Senate race?

By WARREN FISKE, The Virginian-Pilot
+é-¬ June 11, 2006

VIRGINIA BEACH - The debate was as hot as the coffee being poured for the 150 or so Democrats who attended a breakfast at Jason's Deli on Saturday seeking a last look at the two candidates running in Tuesday's U.S. Senate primary.

Sylvia Ellis of Virginia Beach was wearing a red, white and blue sticker for Harris Miller. "He's always been a Democrat," she said of Miller, a partisan activist for more than 30 years. "He's been with us all the way."

Sandra Brandt, Democratic chairwoman of the 2nd Congressional District, was backing Jim Webb, a longtime Republican advocate who crossed partisan lines a few years ago. "It's time for the party to take a bold step," she said.

Brandt said Webb can beat Republican incumbent Sen. George Allen in November, but added, "I don't know if Harris can."

Those views lay out the major dispute among Democrats watching this spring's vitriolic campaign to determine who will carry the party's banner this fall against Allen . The two Democratic candidates are largely in agreement on issues but have left partisans with a clear choice between Miller's longtime loyalty and Webb's personal pizazz.

Miller, 54, a retired technology lobbyist from McLean, has hoisted the placards, planned the strategies and donated a total of about $250,000 to a long list of Democrats, including former Gov. Mark Warner. He is wonky, nasal in tone, wears thick glasses and is not well known outside of party circles.

Webb, 60, is a much-decorated Vietnam War veteran, best-selling author, Hollywood screenwriter and former Navy secretary under Ronald Reagan. He is brash, compactly built and wears combat boots on the campaign trail. He has a long history of supporting Republicans, including George Bush and George Allen in 2000 - both actions he now says he regrets.

Webb decided to call himself a Democrat in protest of the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq and promote tax cuts that favor the wealthy.

All voters may cast ballots in Tuesday's primary. Virginia does not register voters by political party.

Despite a heated campaign in which the candidates have traded personal barbs and volleyed accusations of race-baiting and anti-Semitism, Tuesday's election is expected to be a quiet affair. Virginia does not have a long history of holding primaries, and strategists for both candidates say they don't expect more than 4 percent of Virginia's 4.5 million voters to go to the polls.

The tiny turnout makes the outcome all but impossible to predict. "Anything can happen," said Steve Jarding, an adviser to Webb. "It comes down to getting people to the polls."

Miller and Webb have spent much of the spring seeking and publicizing endorsements, which have underscored the differences in their political histories.

Miller's endorsements are almost exclusively from Democratic politicians and party leaders within Virginia, many of whom have worked closely with Miller and received cash campaign contributions from him.

"I've known Harris for 25 years," said state Sen. Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax. "Harris has always been there for me, and I just couldn't look him in the face if I didn't support him."

Saslaw said his appreciation for the Yale-educated Miller goes beyond personal friendship. "Anyone who talks to him for a few minutes knows that he's extremely bright and dedicated," Saslaw said. "Those are qualities you want in a senator."

Webb's most notable endorsements come from outside Virginia. He has been backed by nine Democratic U.S. senators, including Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Charles Schumer of New York, who heads the fund raising Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

"With Jim Webb as the Democratic nominee in Virginia, we have the best chance to give George Allen a run for his money," according to a statement released by Schumer last week. "He's our best hope for defeating Allen in November."

Webb also has been endorsed by five retired generals who have been critical of President Bush's actions in Iraq, including Wesley Clark, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.

Miller's deep connections among Virginia Democratic activists, many of them highly experienced in herding partisans to the polls, may be particularly valuable during a low-turnout primary.

Conversely, Webb's national backing could reap huge dividends in the general election, particularly in fundraising. Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist, said it is extremely rare for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman to endorse a candidate during a primary and that national Democrats are issuing a "clear signal" that they do not think Miller can beat Allen this spring.

"They're saying if Virginia Democrats want to be in play for the national resources to defeat Allen this fall, then they better nominate Webb," Sabato said. "If they want to ignore the warning and nominate Miller, good luck."

Mark Rozell, a political scientist at George Mason University, said, "Given the strength of the core activists who will vote in a small party primary in early June, it's hard to imagine how Webb can win. But it's hard to imagine this fall how Webb wouldn't be a stronger candidate than Miller.

"The question is whether Democrats will make a pragmatic choice or a choice based on loyalty."

Webb has received glowing reviews in Time and Newsweek magazines, suggesting that his unique background might attract enough independent and disgruntled Republican votes to knock off Allen.

On the other hand, Miller was endorsed by The Washington Post, which said he was more thoughtful on issues than Webb.

Miller grew up in Western Pennsylvania. He lives in McLean and recently retired as chief lobbyist for the Information Technology Association of America. Miller ran unsuccessfully in a Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984. He has spent $975,000 of his own money in this spring's Senate campaign and traveled the state in his hybrid SUV.

Webb grew up in a military family that was constantly on the move. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and after commanding 150 men as a Marine lieutenant in Vietnam, came home with the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple hearts. He was named Navy secretary in 1987 and quit a year later in protest of Reagan's military budget cuts. Webb, who lives in Falls Church and has never before run for political office, tours the state in a camouflage-painted SUV bearing the name of his latest book and campaign slogan: "Born Fighting."

Both candidates are critical of the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Miller has called for the ouster of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Webb says Rumsfeld's departure would not alter President Bush's foreign policies.

They oppose Republican tax cuts that have been tilted toward the wealthy, and criticize Allen for his 97 percent Senate voting record in favor of Bush-endorsed initiatives.

They oppose a constitutional amendment banning same-sex unions.

Webb has largely focused on foreign and military affairs . Miller has shown a greater propensity to discuss domestic issues such as education and immigration.

Webb has labeled Miller the "anti-Christ of outsourcing" for his lobbying efforts to protect American companies that send jobs abroad. Webb says such companies should face tax penalties. Miller says the best way to prevent outsourcing is to better train American workers.

Miller has relentlessly bashed Webb for his past support of Republicans. Webb says much of his identification with the GOP was a result of his anger over the Vietnam War and what he perceived as Democratic insensitivity to veterans' issues. "I'm no longer mad about Vietnam," he said last week.

Seeking to deflect criticism about his loyalty to the Democratic Party, Webb notes that Miller has contributed about $5,000 over the years to congressional Republicans. Miller said he made the donations to appease concerns by his board of directors about his partisan activities.

Webb also has been criticized for a series of writings over the years, questioning whether woman were fit for combat duty and enrollment in military academies, and suggesting that affirmative action be determined by poverty as well as race.

Webb has been taken to task for issuing a flier with a cartoon depicting Miller with a hook nose and pockets full of cash. Miller, who is Jewish, on Friday said the drawing exploits stereotypes and is "despicable."

Webb apologized but denied that the drawing "in any way" was anti-Semitic. He accused Miller of "playing the racial card" by misstating his views on affirmative action.

Despite the acrimony, Miller and Webb have each vowed to support the winner .

Reach Warren Fiske at(804) 697-1565 or warren.fiske@pilotonline.com

USER COMMENTS

Comments 1 - 6 of 6

Casting My Vote for Jim Webb (hide comment)
I for one have been truly appalled by the Karl Rove-like tactics employed by the Miller campaign. As a former Republican-turned-Democrat, I am most upset at this ungracious and unwelcoming tenor we are setting up for anyone who declares their intention to seek an alternate political home to the Republican Party that is shredding some of our proudest democratic traditions including Constitutional balance of powers, civil liberties, and paying for what we order now and not leaving the bill for our children. Jim Webb--a man of the people, who will fight for the people, and begin to transform our government back so it is again OF the people.
- Doug R. - Alexandria Casting My Vote for Jim Webb (view comment)

Re: Deja Vu comment (hide comment)
Donald B. of Va. Beach has a good point but missed the most glaring and most current example: John Kerry wiped the floor with Dubya in all three debates, as well as any time he spoke, being the obvious intellectual superior to the buffoon. But also, Gore did not lose the election, although he did not win decisively as he should have, and thus the crooked Florida votes and subsequent Supreme Court appointment never should have occurred. Kerry fell victim to the Swift Boat liars and dirty tricks in Ohio, but then again, if more folks hadn't fallen for the "cowboy" in the first place, that may not have mattered. Maybe war hero Webb won't meet the same fate as war hero Kerry.
- Mary G. - Hampton Re: Deja Vu comment (view comment)

Jim Webb (hide comment)
I've heard people say that if Jim Webb told a lie, his tongue would fall off. He's smart but humble. He's got experience in a wide variety of fields, and he's been highly successful in all of them because he's competent and because he's a winner. I support him for US Senate. He will make us all proud.
- Susan Mariner - Virginia Beach Jim Webb (view comment)

Webb won the straw poll (hide comment)
This is a good article overall, but misses a couple of important points: It falls for a Miller campaign talking point that Miller has been endorsed by Virginia Democratic officials, while Webb is supported by +óGé¼+ôoutsiders.+óGé¼-¥ Actually, Webb has been endorsed by more than sixty Virginia Democratic leaders including: * Former VA Congresswoman and +óGé¼-£05 Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Leslie Byrne. * Delegate and +óGé¼-£01 Democratic Attorney General nominee Donald McEachin. * Retired VA Congressman Owen Pickett (who would have been hard to miss, since he introduced Webb at the event). Apparently, the reporter didn+óGé¼Gäót stick around long enough to find out that Webb won the straw poll of attendees 79-49.
- David Campbell - Virginia Beach Webb won the straw poll (view comment)

Jim Webb for U.S. Senate (hide comment)
Jim Webb, unlike his opponent, has a history of fighting for the little person. This is exactly what the Democrats need. We do not need a DIEBOLD lobbyist representing us on The Hill. We need Jim Webb, a man who will stand up for the common people, who will stand up to the war mongers, and who will stand up to corporatists. Jim Webb is a highly intelligent, thoughtful individuals with the perfect experience to take on Geroge Allen in the fall. Who needs another lobbyist? Virginia needs Jim Webb. I urge all Virginians to vote for Jim Webb on Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Vote at your regular polling place.
- Arturo D. - Arlington Jim Webb for U.S. Senate (view comment)

Deja Vu All Over Again (hide comment)
..."Anyone who talks to him (Miller) for a few minutes knows that he's extremely bright and dedicated," Saslaw said. "Those are qualities you want in a senator." So true, but let's face facts: Adlai Stevenson......Hubert Humphrey.....George McGovern....Walter Mondale...Michael Dukakis....Al Gore. All of these gentlemen were considerably smarter than their Republican opponents (Nixon excluded)....and still lost, in many cases, miserably. It's obvious that the average American would rather vote for the "class jock" than the "class brain". I hate to be this blunt, but if the Dems want to win in November, they'll vote Tuesday for the guy with the boots, in the camo truck. BTW, he's nobody's fool, and he'll make a fine Senator, so relax! Semper Fi!
- Donald B. - Virginia Beach Deja Vu All Over Again (view comment)


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