I am pretty surprised by this, to be honest. I figured Webb enjoyed policy enough that he could slug through another campaign. He was, by far, the Democrats best option.
But what does this mean for Republicans? For starters, it means we have to get our nominee right. If we pick the right person they could be there for awhile. Much of the appeal for George Allen was to see him exact revenge on Webb, but that won't happen now. Does this men a real heavy hitter like Ken Cuccinelli or Bill Bolling gets in?
I'm guessing the nomination for the Dems will go to Tom Periello, since I don't think Tim Kaine will run. He's young, hard-working, and an attractive statewide candidate but he's had to eat some tough votes. What I'm wondering is if Gerry Connolly might feel his oats and get in this thing. He'll have a huge base to start with, tons of money, and a pretty good organization.
I wish I was smart enough to know what was going to happen, but I honestly think that between guys like Kaine and Periello and Connolly - the Dems have a deeper bench statewide than we do if all we can do is George Allen or Jamie Radtke.
Honestly I dont think either party's (mentioned) bench is that strong (Radtke, Perriello, Bob Marshall Etc.)
IMHO Kaine and Allen are the best of the group thats either running or been seriously mentioned.
I think the Rs have two good potential candidates (from the bench) in Chris Saxman and Rob Wittman. On the D side I wouldnt mind seeing one of the older guys like LF Payne, or Whitt Clement give it a shot. I would think someone from the GA (excepting Marshall)jumping in at this point is unlikely due to all 140 seats being up this year. Of course they could always start in November
Posted by: SE VA MWC Alum | February 09, 2011 at 03:59 PM
Chris Saxman would be a very interesting candidate - he almost pulled the trigger in 2008 as I recall.
Posted by: Chris | February 09, 2011 at 04:28 PM
Democrats will be asked to rally around someone who has been a champion of Liberty and has rolled-up his sleeves and fought to rebuild our strategic manufacturing base.
In other words, NOBODY.
All we have left in the Democratic bullpen are advocates for Gays, Feminazis, blacks, certain pet unions, and trial lawyers.
We have NOBODY, who has worked to restore our LIBERTY and nobody, who has worked to create real jobs for real Virginians.
On the Republican side, all they can muster is Bush lap-dog, and torture advocate, George Allen.
It looks like Virginians have no real choice for the next Senatorial election.
Posted by: J. Tyler Ballance | February 09, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I wonder if this means he will be leaving to take over Defense or if he will sit in the Senate until the end of his term. A special election would shake things up greatly.
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