Bob McDonnell takes a swipe at Jim Webb

As many of you know, Senator-elect Jim Webb has a son serving in Iraq, and Attorney General Bob McDonnell a daughter who just returned from a tour of duty in the country. You'll also recall an exchange Webb had with President Bush regarding the situation, that we've been covering since the beginning. Well, in today's Richmond Times Dispatch, Bob McDonnel gives his thoughts on the way Webb handled the situation. McDonnell commented that he thought Webb's actions fell short of the decorum expected of public officials.

"I was disappointed in Mr. Webb's conduct," McDonnell said. "There are certain rules of civility that Americans expect of their elected officials."

"I understand the personal passion . . . but certainly his conduct was beneath the dignity of a United States senator," McDonnell, a Republican, said yesterday in a telephone interview from Washington.

Bob McDonnell then made this incredibly observative statement:

"A freshman senator has no seniority," McDonnell said of Webb.

Wow, what an astute observation!!! I am proud to have such an uber-intelligent man working as my Attorney General!

However, Representative James Moran, a Democrat from Virginia's eighth district, said Webb's actions were "perfectly appropriate."

Tim Kaine didn't seem to find a problem either:

A spokesman for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said he wasn't surprised by the ex- change. The senator-elect's response was understandable.

"It's not Jim Webb's style to be a back-slapper," said Kevin Hall, the Democratic governor's press secretary. "Sen.-elect Webb is one of only a few members of Congress who has the constant anxiety of having a child on the front lines in Iraq."

"I think that gives him credibility and a very personal stake in this issue," Hall said.

Kevin Hall is 100% correct. Bob McDonnell is used to being a rubber stamp to Bush, afraid to stand up for what's right. However, as I've said time and time again, I'm happy knowing I have a Senator who's not going to conform to silly standards just to save face, or put on an act. I'm glad we have someone who will stand up for what's right. If Jim Webb can stand up like this to Bush's face (not just taking shots at him through the media), I feel like he likely won't bow down to lobbying firms and the like, and will do what's RIGHT FOR AMERICA, not what's right for his wallet or some social "reputation."