Military Women Endorse Jim Webb for U.S. Senate

Including Naval Academy Grad Who Formerly Stood with Allen

A number of women who served in the U.S. armed forcesGÇöincluding a Naval Academy grad who formerly stood with Sen. George AllenGÇövoiced their support of Jim WebbGÇÖs candidacy for the U.S. Senate today. 

The women hailed JimGÇÖs commitment to advancing womenGÇÖs roles and broadening their responsibility in the United States military.

Linda Ponstenriender, a 1982 Naval Academy grad who was recruited to speak at a press conference commandeered by the Allen campaign earlier this month, said she has since heard from Jim Webb and liked what he has to say. Today, Ponstenriender officially endorsed WebbGÇÖs candidacy.

GÇ£On September 13, 2006, I took part in a press conference in Richmond which was facilitated by the Allen campaign.  The focus of the event was primarily an article that Jim Webb wrote in 1979.  I participated to take the opportunity to publicly challenge Mr. Webb to make an apology to the women and men of the Brigade at the U.S. Naval Academy for the disruption and hate the article provoked.  That same day, Mr. Webb issued such an apology.  In my statement on the 13th, I said I would be much more likely to support Mr. Webb if he were to issue an apology,GÇ¥ said Ponstenriender.  GÇ£I would like to thank Jim Webb for recognizing that an apology was needed and for issuing one.  It is clear to me that I would cast a vote for Jim Webb in the Virginia Senate race.GÇ¥

GÇ£IGÇÖll admit-- fighting nearly 150 years of tradition with many of the men being second, third or even fourth generation attendees, it was not easy to be a woman in the U.S. Naval Academy. But, it made me even more determined to succeed,GÇ¥ said Christine M. Gromek, 1984 U.S. Naval Academy Graduate.

GÇ£When in a position to effect change as Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Webb opened many opportunities for women.  Senator Allen, on the other hand, in the role of Governor, resisted the admittance of women to VMI,GÇ¥ continued Gromek. GÇ£Virginia needs to be represented by a Senator who wants to serve and cares about crucial issues like the U.S.GÇÖs interpretation of the Geneva Convention, the war in Iraq, health care, and our constitutional system of checks and balances.GÇ¥

GÇ£Jim WebbGÇÖs record with regard to women in the military is first-rate.  He understands the invaluable role that women play in todayGÇÖs armed forces,GÇ¥ said Lt. Colonel Kate Wilder.  GÇ£This is man who took great initiative to open doors to women in this country, and he has my full support.GÇ¥

GÇ£As the Secretary of the Navy, Jim Webb opened up 15,000 new billets for women.  Jim has always honored and respected the work of women in our armed services and when he found himself in a leadership role, he proactively worked to open more jobs specifically for women.  Jim WebbGÇÖs actions helped women across the armed forces.  He is the leader we need in the U.S. Senate,GÇ¥ said Nancy McPherson, retired Coast Guard, YN1 Petty Officer First Class.

GÇ£Jim Webb served. He has worn the uniform into battle and he has the deepest respect for everyone who wears this countryGÇÖs uniform and puts themselves in harmGÇÖs way defending us.  He knows that we need men and women working together in our national defense for the strongest possible military force,GÇ¥ said Brigadier General Clara Adams-Ender, U.S. Army, retired. GÇ£Jim Webb has the vision, character and exceptional military experience that we need in Congress.  And, thatGÇÖs why I stand in support of him.GÇ¥

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 represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.

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