Webb Takes Name Off List
Of Possible Obama Choices

By MONICA LANGLEY
July 8, 2008; Page A6

WASHINGTON -- Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb took himself out of consideration as a vice-presidential candidate amid growing speculation that he was on Sen. Barack Obama's short list of possible running mates.

Associated Press

Sen. Barack Obama, right, and Sen. Jim Webb wave during a June rally in Bristow, Va.

In a phone call with Sen. Obama on Thursday, Sen. Webb told him he wanted to stay in the Senate, to which he was elected less than two years ago. Despite Sen. Webb's political inexperience, his military credentials as a Vietnam War hero and his appeal to Reagan Democrats made him an attractive counterpoint on the Democratic ticket, particularly against Republican candidate John McCain, also a war hero from his longtime captivity. Before declaring himself a Democrat ahead of his 2006 challenge to Republican Sen. George Allen, Sen. Webb had served as President Ronald Reagan's Navy secretary.

Sen. Webb also seemed to have appeal as a politician who could boost Sen. Obama's chances in Virginia, a state Republicans have carried in every election since 1964 but which is seen as up for grabs this year.

Another prominent Democrat -- Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland -- has also publicly taken his name off Sen. Obama's list.

With Sen. Webb out of the running, the Obama campaign could turn to another Virginia politician, Gov. Tim Kaine, who was one of the first governors to endorse Sen. Obama when Sen. Hillary Clinton appeared to be the inevitable Democratic nominee.

"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," Sen. Webb said in a statement released Monday. "Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for vice president."

Sen. Webb is coming off a big victory last month with the bipartisan passage of his GI bill to extend college benefits to veterans of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But in recent days he grew frustrated that he and his office were constantly "distracted by the VP speculation," one aide said. "Sen. Webb wanted to be upfront that he wants to stay in the Senate."

Sen. Webb -- with his two Purple Hearts, three tattoos and spoiling-for-a-fight attitude -- was the subject of a recent page-one article in The Wall Street Journal and is an emerging Democratic point man on two of the most profound matters facing the electorate this November: national-security policy and the military.

In his statement, Sen. Webb said, "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."

Write to Monica Langley at monica.langley@wsj.com