Sen. Jim Webb apparently is tired of getting his name mentioned as part of the never-ending veepstakes. The Virginia Democrat issued a statement just now saying “under no circumstances” would he be Sen. Barack Obama‘s choice to share the ticket.
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Here’s the statement:
“Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President.
“A year and a half ago, the people of Virginia honored me with election to the U.S. Senate. I entered elective politics because of my commitment to strengthen America’s national security posture, to promote economic fairness, and to increase government accountability. I have worked hard to deliver upon that commitment, and I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate.
“In this regard, the bipartisan legislative template we were able to put into effect through 18 months of work in order to enact the new, landmark GI Bill will serve as a prototype for my future endeavors in government. This process, wherein we brought 58 Senators from both parties to the table as co-sponsors, along with more than 300 members of the House, gives me renewed confidence that the Congress can indeed work effectively across party lines and address the concerns of our citizens.
“At this time I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure that Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. He is a man who speaks eloquently about our national goals and calls for the practical solutions that must be put into place to obtain them. I will proudly campaign for him.”
The statement gives us a little hint into the selection process. Webb obviously felt a reason to “communicate” to the campaign he doesn’t want the job, since he’s been telegraphing that message in numerous press interviews for months.
Perhaps the campaign asked him to submit papers for vetting. Let the Defense Secretary rumors begin.
— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter,
The Washington Times
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