Jim Webb racked up another three great endorsements today, adding to his incredible list that includes Gen. Wesley Clark, Gen. Tony Zinni, Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Chris Dodd, former Sen. Tom Daschle, Rep. Jack Murtha, former Sen. Max Cleland, former Sen. Bob Kerrey, former Rep. Leslie Byrne, former Rep. Owen Pickett, Sen. Phil Puckett, Virginia Delegate (and former Attorney General nominee) Don McEachin, former Del. Chap Petersen, Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette (a leading voice on gay issues in Virginia), and many more.
Today, Jim Webb was endorsed by Al Weed, who ran for Congress 2 years ago against Virgil "MZM" Goode, and has won the nomination this year to take on Goode again. Weed is a strong progressive Democrat, a former Green Beret, and founder of Virginia's oldest continuously-running vineyard.
Webb also was endorsed by the
550,000-member Laborers' International Union. To date, Webb has a stranglehold on organized labor support. This is partly a strong endorsement of Webb, and partly a reflection of how much the unions dislike Harris "outsourcing lobbyist" Miller. These folks are going to do whatever it takes to defeat Miller elect Webb.
Finally, Webb was endorsed by Chuck Dolan, President Clinton's Virginia Campaign Chair, a founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and the former executive director of the Democratic Governors' Association.
Excerpts from the three endorsements follow, courtesy of the Webb campaign:
Virginia Congressional Nominee Al Weed
Endorses Jim Webb
Al Weed's District Includes Charlottesville, Danville, Bedford and Martinsville
Today, 5th Congressional District Democratic Nominee Al Weed endorsed Jim Webb for U.S. Senate. The 5th Congressional District stretches from Charlottesville to Virginia's southern border and includes the cities of Danville, Bedford, South Boston and Martinsville.
"I'm proud to endorse Jim Webb and I look forward to campaigning and governing with him. As veterans, we both understand how to fight for our country. For too long, George Bush, George Allen, and Virgil Goode have worked against the American values that Jim and I fought to protect," said Weed. "It is now our duty to stand up so that Washington can, once again, work for all Americans. Together we will bring honest representation back to Washington."
Al Weed served 42 years in the United States Army. He was a Green Beret in the Vietnam War and a Command Sergeant Major in Bosnia. In 1973, he founded Mountain Cove Vineyard, which is now Virginia's oldest continuously-running vineyard.
"Al and I share many common ideals. We are both Fighting Dems and we will both work tirelessly in the halls of Congress for those who are not represented by special interests," said Webb. "I'm thankful for his support."
Laborers' International Union Endorses Jim Webb
LIUNA: It's Clear Who Is on The Side of Working Families in This Primary
Today, the Laborers' International Union of North American endorsed Jim Webb for United States Senate. The announcement of the endorsement was made by Laborers' Mid Atlantic Regional Vice President Dennis Martire.
"When Virginia working families look at the Senate race, it's clear who is on their side. That's why today the Laborers have endorsed Jim Webb for the United States Senate," said Martire.
The Laborers' International Union of North America has eight locals in Virginia and over 550,000 members in the United States and Canada. The union includes workers involved in construction, waste management, stone cutters, lumberjacks, cleaning and domestic staff, and mining.
"I'm extraordinarily thankful for the support of the Laborers' Union," said Webb. "In Virginia and throughout the country, good paying jobs continue to be sent to other countries by greedy international corporations. When I'm Virginia's U.S. Senator, I will become the leader of the anti-outsourcing of American jobs. We should export our products, not our jobs."
President Clinton's Campaign Chair Endorses Jim Webb
Chuck Dolan, DLC Founder and Executive Director of DGA, Gives Support to Webb
Today, Chuck Dolan, President Clinton's Virginia Campaign Chair, a founder of the Democratic Leadership Council and the former executive director of the Democratic Governors' Association endorsed Jim Webb for United States Senate.
"Jim is an extraordinary Virginia Democrat. I am enthusiastic about Jim's ability to bring the core values of the people of Virginia to the U.S. Senate," said Dolan. "His fighting spirit, extensive experience and devotion to bringing people together remind me of many of the great leaders that I've worked with."
Dolan was a member of the Clinton for President Exploratory Committee and served as the state chairman of the Virginia Clinton-Gore campaign in 1992 and 1996. During his seven years as Executive Director of the Democratic Governors' Association, he participated in the election and re-election of Democratic governors in all fifty states.
Dolan was a founder of the Democratic Leadership Council while serving as then-Governor Robb's Chief National Political Advisor. Both Robb and President Clinton served as Chairs of the organization.
"Chuck Dolan has been a great leader for Virginia Democrats and the entire Democratic Party. I am truly honored and thankful for his support," said Webb.
Wow. Can we say "Big Mo" in this race? Last night, I spent 2 hours calling around Virginia for Jim Webb, and the reception for Webb was fantastic. The reception for Miller? Pretty much nil. I'm telling you, there's really something going on here; we are CRASHING THE GATE with our grassroots movement in Virginia. Remember, this all started as a "draft" movement back in late December/early January by myself and a few friends (Dean supporters, Clark supporters, etc.). Now, we're on the edge of victory June 13. This will send a message across the country, and move us one step closer to defeating George Allen, taking back the Senate, and taking back the COUNTRY!
Just remember: if we can do it in Virginia, we can do it anywhere.
P.S. Harris Miller made millions of dollars lobbying for Diebold and working to depress wages of American workers. In contrast, Jim Webb is not a rich man, and also doesn't like the influence of big money in politics. That's why we all need to help Webb with thousands of small ($25, $50, or $100) contributions. If you can help out, please click here. Thanks!