Politico is reporting the Jim Webb will retire from the U.S. Senate rather than seek a second term, opening the field for the Democrats.
Of course, the Dems themselves would rather the field close up quickly with . . . Tim Kaine:
Senate Democratic leaders view Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, the former Virginia governor, as a top prospect to replace him, despite Kaine’s disavowals that he’s looking at the race.
Kaine, the source said, hasn’t shut the door on the possibility.
May I ask Virginia Democrats a favor?
Please nominate Tim Kaine.
Nothing would better represent what the Democrats consider frugal leadership than nominating the governor who left office with a $7 billion budget shortfall – large enough to knock Jim Gilmore off the record books.
No nominee would show the Democrats’ concern for transportation quite like the fellow who left nearly $1 billion in VDOT money bottled up while he demanded tax increases for roads year after year.
Few politicians have been as lucky as Tim Kaine. He rode Mark Warner’s coatails in 2001; he had the gift of a Republican opponent who refused to rule out tax increases in 2005; he had his next job already set up (DNC Chair) before he even left in 2010.
He probably thinks he can win against a limited-government, low-tax Republican; and most of the Democrats in this state probably agree with him.
At least I hope they do.
