Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va, announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2012.
"After much thought and consideration I have decided to return to the private sector, where I have spent most of my professional life," Webb said in a statement released on his 65th birthday. "I have every intention of remaining involved in the issues that affect the well-being and the future of our country."
Webb, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, served as the Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan administration. Labeled a "Fighting Dem," Webb narrowly won his Senate seat when he edged Republican incumbent George Allen in one of the closest races of the 2006 congressional elections.
His decision to relinquish his seat has significant implications for 2012. After losing control of the House last year, the Democrats are struggling to maintain their slight majority in the Senate.
Last month Allen revealed his intention to run for his former seat again. Other Republican candidates include Tea Party leader Jamie Radtke and Corey A. Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
On the Democratic side, many have expressed their hope that Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, former state governor, will run. During a January interview with MSNBC, Kaine said he was not interested in participating in the race as a candidate. Former governor L. Douglas Wilder, D-Va., however, told The Washington Post Kaine's decision may change if President Obama personally appeals to him to run for Senate.
"The president needs to have Virginia in his camp next year," Wilder said. "Who is that person that can galvanize and bring support from the base? As [former] Governor Kaine said before, you can't turn the president down."
Other potential Democratic candidates include former representatives Tom Perriello and Rick Boucher, former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe and former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer. There is already speculation about who will get the nomination and ultimately win the seat. Prof. Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics, warned against jumping to any conclusions about the race, however.
"Much will depend on whether President Obama and the economy recover sufficiently enough so that Obama can win Virginia again," Sabato said in an e-mail. "If Obama carries Virginia, it is unlikely Allen will win. If the Republican nominee for president wins Virginia, then Allen or another Republican Senate candidate would probably win."
Isaac Wood, communications director for the University's Center for Politics and a former Cavalier Daily opinion columnist, expressed similar sentiments about unpredictable factors of the race. He said Allen is most likely to receive the Republican nomination and added that Webb's decision will "make things easier for Republicans."
Both Wood and Sabato stressed that nothing is certain, however. Sabato said his Crystal Ball website, run by the Center for Politics, is cautiously considering the Virginia Senate race a toss-up at this time.
"The party that carries at the presidential level will be favored," Wood said, "It will be very close, but nothing is certain because there are so many unknowns"
Read More
U.Va. researchers identify that HIV drugs can protect against Alzheimer’s disease
By Lauren Seeliger | 2 days agoDoctor Jayakrishna Ambati and his research team have begun work on a new drug called K9 which could treat and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Graduating students share their future plans as they enter the job market
By Nina Broderick | 3 days agoMany students find the Career Center to be a valuable tool during the job search and application process.
U.Va.’s Finals Weekend spotlights the achievement and service of the Class of 2025
By Leigh Bailey | 5 days agoIn University President Jim Ryan’s welcome address, he acknowledged the support of family members and friends present in the audience and beyond that played supportive roles in these graduates’ lives.
