There goes another vote for the U.S. middle class. Senator Jim Webb won't run for the Senate in 2012. The press is prattling on, claiming the reason Webb isn't running is because he might lose the 2012 election. I don't think so. I suspect he's just tired of the Washington B.S. Here is Webb's statement:
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.
Notwithstanding this decision, I have every intention of remaining involved in the issues that affect the well-being and the future of our country.
Notice how many of those issues listed Webb could get nowhere on, often blocked by his own party. Webb is unique, while a Democrat, issue by issue, he would have his own position, often bucking the corporate political party lines.
More evidence one can get nowhere these days without the blessings of corporate America, something Webb seems to often not be able to swallow.
I Expected to Hear More from Him
He's a really smart guy who knew the ways of Washington.
Why didn't we hear more from him?
He makes no mention above of the economic issues that have been plaguing the average person since he's been in the Senate. Where was he on them? If he was getting no where with the Washington insiders and the big money interests, why not appeal to the people?
Or is the public perceived as that powerless and weak these days that even good people don't want to bother engaging us?
It's all very sad and frustrating.
this is my impression, but I do not know
My impression is the minute he got into the Senate, leadership maneuvered him into military, security, defense areas. Which considering his background, no big surprise. That said, he seemed to get muzzled on economic issues, along with many others from the 2006 class. They would say something in floor speeches, but even on co-sponsoring amendments, they have been shut down.
Considering how corrupt Congress is, we have a host of people trying to do the right thing, for years, never ending getting shut down by their own party.
I'm thinking of Byron Dorgan, who also didn't run again in 2010, foremost. I mean that must suck to be labeled with "Democrat" who are busy undermining what the principles "Democrat" are supposed to stand for.
Just a guess, I have no insider knowledge. Webb did try to pipe up, but trying to get an extension of G.I. benefits and other things he was working on, I'm sure they muzzled him on other issues in some trade off.
Kyl not running
John Kyl, Republican, AZ Senator, is not running in 2012. This is great news, I cannot recall any corporate written lobbyist agenda bill he did not champion.
Interesting Roemer factoid
Checking out Economic Populist today, I note that Buddy Roemer supporters have placed an ad, but I also see that at the TownHall poll pop-up that asks people to pick their favorite Republican presidential candidate, Roemer is absent - although there are some 18 others shown with their photos.
This despite that Roemer did appear at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition on March 7, to which presidential hopefuls were invited, while several of the 18 presidential hopefuls represented at the TownHall poll page did not appear there and, I believe, have yet to announce themselves as in the running.
Interesting - and puzzling.