
Ran across an interesting piece this afternoon by Chris Cillizza of Washingtonpost.com, who writes the online political column The Fix:
Jim Webb's Senate candidacy got its start on the Internet, and ever since the former Secretary of the Navy formally entered the Virginia Senate race his campaign has assiduously courted the liberal blogosphere.
The latest evidence? Webb's endorsement from retired Gen. Wesley Clark this morning. Clark was the subject of an extended online draft movement aimed at convincing him to run for president in 2004.
The article also mentioned former Senator Bob Kerrey, who did
a post on Daily Kos last night in support of Jim Webb's candidacy.
Of course, Cillizza throws in the obligatory observation that there hasn't been a major victory of a 'netroots' candidate yet:
The Democratic netroots has demonstrated an ability to promote favored candidates and raise considerable campaign cash for them. But no candidate backed by the netroots has actually won -- although Iraq War veteran Paul Hackett came extremely close in an August 2005 special election in Ohio.
Webb is the latest flavor of the month among the liberal Web community and could well deliver them their first victory if he defeats former technology lobbyist Harris Miller (D) in the June Democratic primary. The winner will face Sen. George Allen (R) in November.
Even if things go well with our small-donor fundraising efforts for Jim Webb, his campaign probably still won't be able to match Harris Miller's spending before the June 13 primary. But, it should still be winnable, if we can set up a superior grassroots organizing effort. Virginia primaries historically have had very low turnout, in the neighborhood of 3% to 5%, so it's all about enthusiasm and GOTV -- which campaign can turn out their supporters.
Of course, the Internet and email, combined with some 'viral marketing' social networking toolz, could end up being a critical part of this race. Stay tuned.