Soldier-turned-writer battles for Senate upset, Webb vs allen

[madokie]

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2006-09-16T131356Z_01_N15175178_RTRUKOC_0_US-WEBB.xml&archived=False




ARLINGTON, Virginia (Reuters) - In the movie "Rules of Engagement," written by James Webb, a wounded Vietnam veteran-turned-lawyer beats seemingly hopeless odds to win a case defending a comrade in arms.

A real-life Hollywood ending seemed unlikely until recently for Webb, who is campaigning to unseat Virginia Sen. George Allen, a formidable Republican opponent with presidential ambitions in 2008.

Now, however, a forceful anti-Iraq-war message resonating with voters nationwide before the November congressional elections and a distinctly unpresidential gaffe by his rival have helped Webb wipe out a double-digit polling deficit.


Democrats suddenly scent blood and a chance for Webb to capture a big trophy as they seek to pick up the six seats needed to take control of the Senate from the Republicans.