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Webb Decides Against Seeking Re-election
Sen. Jim Webb (D) has decided not to run for re-election in 2012. His office released a statement this morning. It reads as follows:
"Five years ago this week, on February 8, 2006, I announced my intention to run for the United States Senate. We had neither campaign funds nor a staff. We were challenged in a primary, and trailed the incumbent in the general election by more than 30 points in the polls.
Over the next nine months we focused relentlessly on the need to reorient our national security policy, to restore economic fairness and social justice, and to bring greater accountability in our government. I will always be grateful for the spirit and energy that was brought into this campaign by thousands of loyal and committed volunteers. Their enthusiasm and sheer numbers were truly the difference in that election.
It has been a great and continuing privilege to serve in the United States Senate. 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.
However, after much thought and consideration I have decided to return to the private sector, where I have spent most of my professional life, and will not seek re-election in 2012."
There are two declared Republican candidates already seeking the running: former Sen. George Allen (R), who also served as governor during the mid-1990s, and Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation co-founder Jamie Radtke (R). Two local elected officials are also among those weighing potential bids: Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart (R) and Manassas Del. Bob Marshall (R).
Marshall said Webb's decision to opt out of re-election will not affect his own decision on whether he ultimately seek the seat himself. Marshall came up short in the GOP nomination convention against former Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) in the 2008 primary for U.S. Senate.
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