Posted by David Lerman at 6:10 am CST
James Henry Webb Jr., whose debut in politics helped tip the balance of power in Congress, took the oath of office Thursday and then quickly again showed by he is sure to get noticed in the coming year.
As his wife and infant daughter looked on from the Senate gallery, Webb stood on the Senate floor and raised his right hand shortly after noon to take the oath administered by Vice President Dick Cheney.
``It’s great to be official,” Webb told reporters just outside the Senate chamber following the brief swearing-in session.
A former Navy secretary and decorated Vietnam veteran, Webb begins his six-year Senate term with an influence and stature that many Democrats predict will exceed his status as a freshman lawmaker and political novice.
Webb’s stature among Democrats—and the high expectations set for him-- were made clear when Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the newly elected majority leader, stopped by an afternoon reception for Webb to heap praise on his new Virginia colleague.
``For me, to be able to stand by a real American hero says it all,” Reid told Webb supporters who packed a committee room. ``He has physical courage and a lot of brains. We look forward to him being one of the great senators of all time.”
But even as he basked in the praise and vowed to help elect state Democrats this fall, Webb acknowledged his independent mindset as a former Republican who once worked in Ronald Reagan’s Pentagon.
``I’ve always had the willingness to think things through,” he said. ``I do think for myself.”
Webb, who turns 61 next month, also proved himself an unusually fit and energetic senator. When he became lost in the crowd at his reception, Webb hopped on top of a desk with ease, raising his fists in the air before showing off his month-old daughter, Georgia LeAnh.
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Comments
I love the way the Swamp alternates stories about Democrat Barack Obama with stories about other state's Democrats. That's balance, Swampune style.
Posted by: Bruce | January 5, 2007 9:08 AM
We shall see whether Jim Webb will "be his own individual" and will buck Sens. Reid, Clinton and the other Dem leadership. But methinks that a fairly entertaining spat with Sen. McCain lies in the future for the fiery junior senator from Virginia.
Posted by: JB | January 5, 2007 9:14 AM
Hey Bruce, try reading the posting above the Webb posting on Chris Shays. And try coming up with some comments other than complaints.
Posted by: anonymous | January 5, 2007 9:17 AM
Anonymous, the only reason for the Swamp post on Shays is because he is the last GOP House member from the Northeast -- for now. Eventually, the Northeast will come to its senses again when the Left runs the DNC and this country into a deep hole.
Posted by: John D | January 5, 2007 9:47 AM
JB I met Jim I can tell right now . The Man is his own person. This Vietnam vet will do what he thinks is right for America he defended once he will again
Posted by: Dale Peters | January 5, 2007 10:22 AM
JB,
A good little dust up with Mr. McCain would be a terrific thing for Webb.
I like McCain generally speaking, but his right wing shuffle of late has irritated a lot of potential supporters, and the 'surge' push could prove a disaster. Any chance of me voting for him is gone.
Webb needs to stake out his ground clearly. A little stink eye to stink eye with McCain would be great! (And entertaining, as you say)
Ditto with the Clintons.
(Bill and Juan would agree)
Posted by: C.Morris | January 5, 2007 10:48 AM
Dale P,
Welcome back, buddy.
Posted by: C.Morris | January 5, 2007 11:23 AM
I like this Webb guy,he doesn't suffer fools very well,therefore he doesn't care much for W.,Cheney and the other GOP goons in the Whitehouse.
Posted by: John E. | January 5, 2007 11:45 AM
I like McCain generally speaking, but his right wing shuffle of late has irritated a lot of potential supporters, and the 'surge' push could prove a disaster. Any chance of me voting for him is gone.
Posted by: C.Morris | Jan 5, 2007 10:48:00 AM
I'm with you on that cmorris. I thought he was a man above politics till he said he was against
the torture bill and then caved in (or was it grandstanding)and changed nothing really on the bill at all. Then when Kerry stuck his foot in his mouth with that joke...he was one of the first to come out and make something out of it.
Demanding an apology.... I expected that from Bush but gave McCain more credit. He now seems to me to be just another politician willing to act, do, or say anything to get elected.
I know that Juanito and especially Bill would agree with this.
Posted by: bill r. | January 5, 2007 1:18 PM
Dale, I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Posted by: Catherine | January 5, 2007 2:14 PM
C. Thanks
Posted by: Dale Peters | January 5, 2007 2:43 PM
Dale,
You have a lotta friends on the Swamp. You have my deepest condolences. If you need a thing, I'm there for ya buddy.
Posted by: unlettered | January 5, 2007 10:35 PM
Dale,
Glad you're back. Sorry for what you have gone through. You have a lot of friends here.
Posted by: Bubba | January 6, 2007 12:03 AM
"Webb, who turns 61 next month, also proved himself an unusually fit and energetic senator. When he became lost in the crowd at his reception, Webb hopped on top of a desk with ease, raising his fists in the air before showing off his month-old daughter, Georgia LeAnh."
Mr. Webb undoubtedly proved himself to be unusually fit and energetic 10 months ago. I certainly hope he retains that energy for a long time, as he will be dealing with teenage temper tantrums when he's a spry 75.
Posted by: idgie | January 6, 2007 6:46 AM
He was born in a cross-fire free fire zone
And he howled at Sen. Macaca in the driving rain,
But its all right now, in fact, its a gas!
But its all right. he's jumpin jim webb,
Its a gas! gas! gas!
he frowned at the crumbs of truth and took a stand
he was crowned with a armalite machine gun hand.
But its all right now, in fact, its a gas!
But its all right, he's jumpin jim webb,
Its a gas! gas! gas!
Jumping jim webb, its a gas
How about Obama/Webb '08??
Posted by: C.Morris | January 6, 2007 10:16 PM