Webb: Decision to retire came after talking with family
One day after announcing he would not run for reelection in 2012, Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) shed a sliver more light Thursday evening on why he made that choice.
Appearing on a panel at the National Press Club to discuss the foreign policy of President Ronald Reagan, Webb was asked by moderator Andrea Mitchell to explain his decision.
"I'm honored to be in the Senate ... but this was really my wife and family and I sitting down and saying, 'How do we want to spend the next eight years?'" Webb answered.
Webb didn't give any real reasons behind the decision when he announced it Wednesday. But he had made clear previously that his family's wishes would play heavily in his thinking. And he emphasized that he did consider it an eight-year decision, including a two-year reelection campaign.
Ex-Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) also appeared on the Reagan panel. Shifting off the evening's topic for a moment, Warner praised Webb for his service, particularly his role in getting the new GI Bill passed into law.
"That's your hallmark of greatness in the United States Senate," Warner said.
By
Ben Pershing
| February 10, 2011; 8:09 PM ET
Categories:
Election 2012, James Webb, U.S. Senate
Save & Share:
Previous: McDonnell: Webb's departure is GOP's gain
Next: Virginia legislature passes bill requiring PE at public middle, elementary schools
Now that Webb has decided not to run in 2012, I believe and support former Congressman Rick Boucher to step in and once again be the leader and provider he has always been for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America. God Bless Rick, Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States.
Posted by: randallashby | February 11, 2011 11:00 AM | Report abuse
We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.