Republicans for Webb!

By: Lowell
Published On: 8/19/2006 12:23:57 PM

From a volunteer at Webb HQ, this is very interesting and corresponds with other, anecdotal information I'm hearing from around the state.

Thought you would be interested in calls that we've been getting since the "macaca incident".  We have  received  many calls from individuals around the country including Virginia wanting to contribute for the first time to the Webb campaign.  They all say they are calling now because they are appalled by Senator Allen's insensitive, mean comments.  They do not believe that he has the character needed to continue to be a US Senator. 

Also, we are receiving calls from Virginia Republicans, many of whom say they have never voted for a Democrat.  They have been fed up for awhile with the Bush/Allen irresponsible economic policies and the war in Iraq.  Now, based on Allen's comments and what they perceive to be Allen's lack of truthfulness in responding to what he meant, they are not going to vote for him.  Not all of the callers are ready yet to vote for Webb but  Allen, for sure, will not get their vote.

I have been working at the front desk in the Arlington headquarters since June and never have I received so many calls from people wanting to contribute to the campaign.  Further I have never answered calls from so many people who identify themselves as Republicans.  I now believe that Jim is definetly going to win.  People just need to understand the difference between his and Allen's values!

Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign.  The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

Comments



Welcome, Republican voters!! (Kindler - 8/19/2006 2:35:42 PM)
I have a lot of sympathy for the Republican rank-and-file because they get fooled and used by their leaders time and time again.  The voters think they're supporting morally upright, fiscally responsible, common sense, patriotic leaders -- when what they're really getting are a bunch of corrupt, profligate, incompetent frat boys who claim to be holier than thou in front of the cameras while selling their souls and our country backstage to lobbyists, influence-peddlers and whoever else puts a dollar in their pockets.

Allen's "macaca" video represents one of those few moments when the curtain is lifted and you can actually see these cynical bullies for what they are.  A lot of Republican voters are good people who won't tolerate this type of behavior -- once they realize what's going on. 

I say, let's welcome them with open arms -- with The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" playing in the background!



Get Every Name, Phone # and Address (cando - 8/19/2006 2:59:25 PM)
and call them back, or send Webb's foreign policy statement.  I've worked on several campaigns, won a local race against 9 men, and know that quick responses are very important.  Sending a contribution and will send more as I can.  Webb must win!


Thanks! (Lowell - 8/19/2006 3:07:41 PM)


I tried to help (Rebecca - 8/19/2006 4:26:38 PM)
Every time there was an article at Huff Post on the Allen incident I asked people to contribute to Webb. I hope this is some of the response.


Born Republican Anyway (J.R. - 8/19/2006 8:58:39 PM)
Well, it won't take much for the margin of Republican voters necessary for Webb to win to move over, after all, Webb would have made a helluva Republican nominee.

As I have said on my blog, this is Webb's opportunity.  Will his campaign handlers blow it?



not in the current Republican party: (teacherken - 8/19/2006 11:46:58 PM)
he's pro-choice, pro-affirmative action, pro-gay rights, opposed to the marriage amendment proposal, opposed the war in Iraq, and opposed the so-called flag desecration Amendment.  He opposes the Bush economic approaches.

Please explain how that would make him a helluva Republican nominee, when there would be no way he would ever get a Republican nomination, certainly not statewide in Virginia.



Ouch . . . (JPTERP - 8/20/2006 6:49:56 PM)
Slightly back-handed there. 

"Will his campaign handlers blow it?" We can only hope.

I would have gone with the more objective "Will his campaign handlers be up to the task?"

I suspect the answer will be a firm yes--but this is certainly a good test for the young campaign.  It will be necessary to make a positive case for Jim Webb and not just rely on negative sentiment towards George Allen (which is likely to be quite strong this election).

I agree that Jim Webb would have made a great Republican nominee circa 1978.  Jim Webb has a resume that is nearly identical to John Warner's--ideological there are similarities as well. 

However, Jim Webb's socially moderate outlook would likely put him in disfavor with the socially conservative wing of the Virginia GOP.  His stance on abortion alone would have made it nearly impossible for him to win the party nomination.