Posted on 11/10/2010 5:39:53 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
David Paul Kuhn snagged a fascinating interview with Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.
As you may recall, Webb was secretary of Navy under Reagan, but in 2006 ran as a Democrat against then-Sen. George Allen, ultimately defeating him.
Kuhn's interview may spark speculation that Webb is laying the groundwork for a future party switch. Webb voted for health care reform, but tells Kuhn:
"I told him this was going to be a disaster," Webb recalls. "The president believed it was all going to work out."
Kuhn goes on to note that Webb "identifies himself as a Democrat. But he has few Democratic leaders to identify with."
Policy differences aside, a practical reason Webb might consider changing parties is that in two years he could face either the current Virginia governor or attorney general or possibly a rematch against George Allen. Webb was able to win in 2006, a very tough year for Republicans, after Allen uttered the word "macaca," a pejorative term aimed at a Webb supporter of Indian decent. But for Webb, getting re-elected in 2012 could be tougher.
Of course, Webb might have a hard time convincing conservatives to back him if he does switch.
As The American Spectator's Jim Antle wrote,
The trouble with Webb is that, with few exceptions, he didn't seem very interested in demonstrating his independence while Virginia looked like it was trending Democratic. Now that it is swinging back in the opposite direction and he is up for reelection in 2012, Webb is reminding us of his pre-Senate conservatism with some more idiosyncratic populist flourishes.
Typically, after a "tsunami" election, some members of congress retire or switch parties. We haven't heard too much talk of that yet. But if the political environment remains relatively similar to where it is today, I'd expect some defections.
I don’t think we want any ‘Rats retreaded. The carcass is still likely to be full of flaws.
He is a weasel, and a permanent member of the Jim Webb Party. Would love to get a chance to ask him about his political “principles” and how they differ from a wind sock.
I really hope not! I want actual Conservative Republicans, not party switchers - like they finally get it. Even if they switch, people will not trust them anyway, so why switch.
You were wrong with your party choice and you are still wrong when you switch - screaming help elect me again, Sorry, just too much way too late... Just go away!
This guy is walking into light poles at every corner but his hindsight is excellent. Geez, what a putz.
He guzzled the Dem KoolAid and danced to Reid’s tunes. I say thanks but NO THANKS!
Agreed.
>> [Webb’s] political “principles” ... how they differ from a wind sock
A windsock serves a useful purpose.
What to the Communist Party?
Put him on point when ya suspect mines.
The GOP would be wise to suggest that he look for friends with the green party.
This psycho will produce headlines of the worst kind if he were a republican.
He’s a democrat.
NO thanks.
Defeat the Maxist-enabler in 2012.
After Socialist Mark Kirk’s “coronation” from Illinois, it’s gonna open up our caucus to scumbags like Webb... time to say “NO !”
If you vote socialism we want you to lose
Throw in a bag of broken bats and a pop-up toaster.
Absolutely NFW. We have enough cooties, bedbugs and outright syphilis in the GOP as it is without importing more disease.
The Senate GOP’s RINO leadership will not be winning many points for their future re-elections. It is stupid on their part, but it may help open the closet door on some more beyond Cornyn.
That’s right. For every rat that switches to the GOP means there will be one more tea party candidate holding office.
I think he should switch tomorrow, and then we should defeat him in the primary.
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