Jim Webb wins VA primary

[the happy prole]

So... I have this debate going with some friends about Webb. My opinion is that he is essentially the perfect Democratic candidate (politics-wise, not that I agree with all his views). And I think it's this guy (or someone like him) and not Barack Obama, who is the future of the party.

He's a well-decorated vet (legit) and an ex-Republican who broke with the GOP over the war in Iraq. And yes, he was against the war from the get-go so no flipper-floppering there. If you're generally conservative but you hate Bush-- this is your guy.

Daily Kos drools all over him. He pretty much swept the NoVA and Charlottesville areas, indicating that traditional liberals are willing to accept him and see him as a far better challenge to the GOP than traditional liberal Miller.

Inside view is that suddenly the Virginia Senate has turned into a race. And if Webb can beat George Allen (pretty much the quintessential Southern Republican), then it will change the face of the party.

So what do you all (especially the conservatives) think?

[george]

Should be a great race. I agree with Webb on most issues -- especially his view that Republicans have basically just become spokespeople for their special interests. He better not bring Kerry and Schumer out to stump for him in the general election as he did in the primary.

In the end I'm not yet convinced he can beat Allen. Cowboy boots, football, and dipping still go a long way outside of Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria.

[chicodaman]

From my short tenure in Richmond, I learned that even though VA is a strong union sate (I worked a union job), the union (where I worked) has kind of given up on the whole "union = Democratic vote" philososphy. A huge portion of the members voted Bush..... both times.

I don't know much about him, but he better be *good*.

[the happy prole]

And so it begins:

Allen and Webb clash over flag burning amendment (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060628/ap_on_el_se/virginia_flag_burning_2)