Virginia Senate Primary: VOTE FOR WEBB (It's Important!)

Tomorrow is the Democratic Primary election in Virginia. The main card is the square-off between James Webb and Harris Miller for the party's nomination to run against incumbent GOP Senator George Allen in November.

The Curmudgeon heartily endorses Jim Webb and urges Democrats who want to defeat Allen to get out and vote in this primary. The Curmudgeon has summarized our reasons before, but for those who are new, here's the scoop:

Jim Webb is a former Marine, who fought in Vietnam, served as Secretary of the Navy under Reagan (for a year) and has spent the latter part of his career as a writer of both fiction and nonfiction. His works include a history of the Scots-Irish in America (the red-haired Webb has a classic Scots-Irish appearance), entitled "Born Fighting", which he has used as his campaign motto.

Harris Miller is a longtime resident of Northern Virginia who has been active in local Democratic party politics for many years, giving generously of his time, energy and money. Miller is a Washington lawyer who in recent years served as Executive Director of a telecommunications association. He's a smart, loyal Democrat.

In the Curmudgeon's view, both Webb and Miller are good men, either of whom would make a fine Senator from Virginia.

The problem is that neither will be Senator unless he can first defeat George Allen, a lightweight empty suit who panders to conservatives and has never once challenged George Bush's disastrous policies and incompetent administration. Despite those glaring shortcomings, Allen remains a popular figure in Virginia, has a large war chest for the election, and harbors Presidential aspirations (gag!) that would be boosted by a big win in November.

The Curmudgeon supports Webb because he is the candidate with the best opportunity to beat Allen. Why is that?

First, Webb is a true independent, a Democrat who defected to Reagan, but who has now returned to the fold after the Bush fiasco. He will have genuine appeal to Virginia's independent voters, who traditionally split their votes depending on their perception of the candidates running. (In the last two statewide elections, moderate Democrats won the Governor's race while Republicans took the Attorney General's spot and some other key statewide posts.)

Miller, unfortunately, will easily be painted by Allen as a Democratic party apparatchik and an inside-the-beltway lawyer-lobbyist. While I like Miller's well thought out "positions" on many issues, they are worthless if he can't get elected.

Second, Webb is a veteran in a state full of veterans who vote. Unlike John Kerry, he never came home and criticized the Vietnam war, so he can't be attacked like Kerry was. He is a genuine "war hero" who Allen will find difficult to smear (oh, but believe me, they will try!). Miller has no such background.

Third, Webb came out early, in writing, against the war in Iraq (before we invaded). Imagine if his voice had been heard in the Senate when W was propagandizing the war! Miller supported the war, but now says he was "misled." Sorry--too lame.

Fourth, Webb is a bit of a populist in a state where that helps with independents and some Republicans. He supports a more progressive tax system and is blunt in his criticisms of GOP tax policies that overwhelmingly favor the rich. Miller's positions are heavily nuanced, and ring false from a guy who lobbied for big telecoms.

Finally, Webb inspires some intense loyalty and heddy enthusiasm that should translate well in a campaign against lackadaisacal Allen. More importantly, he is likely to attract the kind of national money that will be needed to unseat Allen, as evidenced by the unusual number of national Democrats, particularly Senators, who have endorsed him in the primary. Miller, by contrast, can expect little national money, and unfortunately, he has already shot his wad in terms of any personal money he might put in the campaign (Miller has lent his campaign nearly $1 million in personal funds, which is about as much as he can afford.)

So, please go out to vote tomorrow. Turnout will be low (at least you won't have to wait in any line) and the race will probably be fairly close. Your vote WILL count. Please take the time and vote for Jim Webb--so we have a shot at Allen in November!