Virginia Senator Jim Webb announced yesterday that he will not seek reelection in 2012. Almost immediately, talk of replacement Democratic candidates began.
"It has been a great and continuing privilege to serve in the United States Senate," said Webb in his announcement. "I am very proud of my talented and dedicated staff, which has worked tirelessly to resolve the issues on which I based my candidacy, and to protect the interests of all Virginians in this national forum."
"Among other contributions we have given our Post- 9/11 veterans the best GI Bill since World War Two; we have taken the lead in reforming our criminal justice system; we have led the way toward stronger relations in East and Southeast Asia; and we have been a strong voice in calling on China to act more responsibly in the world community. We will continue to work on these and other issues throughout the rest of my term."
According to multiple sources, former governor and current Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine is considered a frontrunner to replace Webb in the 2012 Senate elections. The problem, as Politico points out, is that Kaine recently remarked that he was not interested in running for Senate should Webb retire. The New York Times suggests that President Barack Obama could ask Kaine, who Obama courted for the DNC chair, to run.
Kaine is not the only possible replacement. Former Fifth District Congressman Tom Perriello, who won a district considered to be a Republican stronghold in 2008, is also considered a viable candidate. Other names circulating include former Virginia gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Rick Boucher. The chosen Democrat faces competition from former Republican Senator George Allen, who recently announced his reelection bid via YouTube.
Who should run against George Allen? Leave your thoughts below.