Another rumor about a Dem Senator switching parties - Webb (Va.)

[underpants]

Is Sen. Jim Webb Hinting at a Party Switch?
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/11/09/is-sen-jim-webb-hinting-at-a-party-switch/

David Paul Kuhn snagged a fascinating interview with Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.

As you may recall, Webb was secretary of Navy under Reagan, but in 2006 ran as a Democrat against then-Sen. George Allen, ultimately defeating him.

Kuhn's interview may spark speculation that Webb is laying the groundwork for a future party switch. Webb voted for health care reform, but tells Kuhn:

"I told him this was going to be a disaster," Webb recalls. "The president believed it was all going to work out."
Kuhn goes on to note that Webb "identifies himself as a Democrat. But he has few Democratic leaders to identify with."

[msongs]

1. pools posted here seem to say the public likes the health care "reform" oddly enuff nt

[derby378]

2. Don't punt in your pants now, Webb

You're on the right side. Think about it, man.

[charlie]

3. Switch and get teabagged?

If he's considering it, his timing couldn't be worse.

[applegrove]

10. Absolutely. The teabaggers eat up moderate repubs. Life isn't pretty in GOP land for a moderate.

[OmahaBlueDog]

13. If anything, we should go hard after Snowe, Bailey-Hutchison, and Collins

..not to become Dems..that would be asking too much. But to become Dem supported independents. These three are highly likely to get primaried in the next go-round by T-baggers.

[applegrove]

14. Sounds like a plan.

[sally cat]

4. Webb and Ben Nelson are the most likely to switch.

[KamaAina]

6. What about LIEberman?

who isn't even a DINO any longer? That'd get them to 50-50... :scared:

[madinmaryland]

11. I just wish that Lowell Weicker would come out and tell Joe to have a big

cup of "Shut the Fuck up" and then kick Joe's ass into the Sound.

[OmahaBlueDog]

12. Nelson would get primaried by Jon Bruning if he switches parties

Unfortunately for Ben, he's managed to tick off both Republicans and Dems.

[bobbolink]

16. In any other game, that would mean he's out.

Lucky for him politics is just weird that way.

[Dappleganger]

5. And if he switches parties he will lose

his next election to the republican.

[TwilightGardener]

7. If he does, he's the worst case of political whiplash that has ever been seen.

Yep, worse than Specter.

[mvd]

8. He'll have less of a chance in the Repuke party

My bet is he stays.

[OHdem10]

9. Nelson might find it easier than Webb. The GOP is too conservative

for Webb. He will have to be very discouraged with Democrats
to make a change.

I am not saying Webb is a Liberal, there are degrees of Progressivism

[OmahaBlueDog]

15. I still think a third player is coming to the table

Someone (my money is on Michael Bloomberg, and has been for sometime) will try to take their half out of the middle in 2012. Their argument will be "Dems too far left...GOP has gone crazy right..we need common sense." They will try to build on what Ross Perot did in '92, and actually build a party, rather than just run for President. The difference (if this comes to pass) is that they will build this party around existing politicians, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. The party that weill emerge will be something like Republican lite - fiscally conservative, but socially moderate to liberal. So they will support a balanced budget amendment, but also be pro-choice. It will provide a home for folks like Bailey-Hutchison, Webb, the-soon-to-be-former-Governator, Crist, Ben Nelson, Lieberman, and a host of others.

[Alexander]

17. As do I. I think it could be Jesse Ventura.

Bloomberg is a possibility, but he spent millions trying to get re-elected in New York and barely won against Bill Thompson, who was a non-entity.

[OmahaBlueDog]

19. Ventura certainly is keeping his profile high.

Another possibility is someone like a David Petraeus.

[jillan]

18. No matter what he does, I will always be thankful that he beat that jerk Macaca.

[tritsofme]

20. Switching would be fruitless, he could never survive a VA GOP primary.

I think it is more likely that Webb simply retires.

Rumor has it George Allen wants his old seat back is gearing up to run. Maybe Tim Kaine could run?