This Tuesday, June 13th is the Democratic Primary to choose our candidate for the U.S. Senate -- to run against George Allen. Voting takes place at your regular polling place, from 6 am to 7 pm.   

 I urge you to vote for Jim Webb.  The race is too close to call and many voters are undecided. 

 I have written a short statement of my reasons for supporting Webb and copied it below.  Please forward this note to any and all friends.   I hope this makes sense to you and you join me in voting for Jim Webb.  Let’s take our very best shot to win back the U.S. Senate.

 Thanks!

 Jay

I support Jim Webb and I want to tell you why.

 First, unlike many of my Democratic colleagues, I am unencumbered.  I did not know either candidate 5 months ago.  I am not anti-Miller, I am PRO-Jim Webb.

I’ve spoken with Jim on several occasions and found him to be an earnest and decent guy.  While I do not agree with him on every position, I never expected to.  I do know Jim is reliably pro-choice, believes deeply in economic fairness, and supports a strong separation of church and state.

On gay-related issues, which are particularly important to me, he supports civil unions, adding sexual orientation to the hate crimes statutes, and employment non-discrimination policies.  Jim Webb is opposed to the Constitutional Amendment (so-called Marriage Amendment) on the ballot in Virginia this fall.  Jim and his wife joined me in April at Equality Virginia’s Commonwealth Dinner in Richmond to show his support.

I admit to a pragmatic streak as well.  I think viability matters.  I am convinced that Jim Webb is the ideal candidate for the Senate race in this state in this year.

Jim Webb opposed the Iraq War before it started and has consistently spoken out against it ever since.  He was Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan administration.  This man will have broad appeal across the political spectrum in Virginia, will generate enthusiasm, and capture national attention.  Jim Webb has been described as “George Allen’s worst nightmare.”  Jim Webb can win in November.

I was especially impressed by Jim Webb’s performance on the Colbert Report!  Hammered by the satirist, he held up well.  His memorable line was, “It is time for people to return to the Democratic Party.”  I want that message spread throughout Virginia and throughout the U.S.

This is our year.  The issues of national security and international affairs will be prominent and regrettably, sometimes a Democratic vulnerability.  Not so with Jim Webb.  In Jim Webb we have a compelling candidate with a record of personal and professional leadership on national security issues that give him instant credibility.  Only Jim Webb can publicly challenge George Allen and George Bush and hold them accountable for their dismal records.

More than 10 current and former Democratic U.S. Senators, including John Kerry, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer and Tom Daschle, have taken the very unusual step of endorsing Jim Webb.  That speaks volumes.  Please visit www.webbforsenate.com for more information.

I urge you to join me in supporting Jim Webb.

Jay Fisette
Member, Arlington County Board