Decision Virginia

Del. Bob Marshall is floating a rumor, that is getting some buzz around a few conservative web sites. He sent out an email that claims current Virginia Senator Jim Webb would like to be considered for Secretary of Defense and if offered would accept the position.

Marshall sent out the email to supporters asking for help getting rid of the debt from his failed run for the republican nomination for U.S. Senate this past election cycle. He was trying to make the case to that he needs to be prepared for a future run for federal office and in order to do that, he must have his campaign debt eliminated.

Here is what Marshall said in the e-mail:

“In fact, two well-connected friends have told me that Senator Jim Webb is interested in the Secretary of Defense position in the new Administration.  If he were offered the position and he accepted, that would leave Jim Webb’s U.S. Senate seat open. ‘

I have been in contact with a few well placed Virginia Democrats that were unaware of the rumor.

I wouldn’t expect Bob Marshall to be on the “inside” of negotiations for the next Secretary of Defense in an Obama administration, but the speculation does provide for good fodder.  Webb’s military background, his opposition to the Iraq War and his experience in the Department of Defense offer Barack Obama an impressive combination of skills and experience. Webb could single handily placate the hard core left concerned that he is softening already on his Iraq position and military officials concerned that Obama lacks the experience and judgment to be commander in chief.

Warning: This is all heavy speculation. No one that I have read or spoke to has any rumors or leaks that come from individuals connected to the Obama Administration or Jim Webb himself.

Ryan Nobles - bio | email

We aren’t quite in to 2009 yet and it is quite possible that these lists will shrink within the next few months, but right now there is a very crowded field of potential candidates for the three statewide posts up for election next fall. Many already have web sites, which I have linked to below.

Here is a rundown:

Governor-
Republicans:
Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Democrats:
Del. Brian Moran
Sen. Creigh Deeds
Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe

Lt. Governor-
Democrats:
Former Finance Sec. Jody Wagner
Russell County Supervisor Jon Bowerbank
Democratic Party Chair C. Richard Cranwell

Republicans:
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling

Attorney General-
Republicans:
Sen. Ken Cuccinelli
Former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee
Former Arlington School Board Chair David M. Foster

Democrats-
Del. Steve Shannon
Roanoke Attorney John Fishwick Jr.

Also…

Brian Moran picked up some more grassroots endorsements today. This announcement is a continuation of his efforts to build a case that he is the choice of the Democratic base. For the average voter it may not seem like earth shattering news, but his campaign manger Mame Reiley said that they “have never had an endorsement like this before in Virginia that anyone can remember.”  The news comes as a key Kaine supporter indicates that he will side with Terry McAuliffe. The Washington Post is also reporting that Moran is trying to decide if he will still run for his seat in the House of Delegates, along with running for Governor.

On the other side, Bob McDonnell today continued his efforts to remind Virginians that he is the Commonwealth’s Attorney General. Today he put out a press release, reminding parents to check the ratings of video games before buying them as gifts for their children.