Virginia Dems 'disappointed' by Webb exit, not ruling out Senate runs

Virginia Reps. Gerry Connolly (D) and Bobby Scott (D) both said Wednesday they are "disappointed" by Sen. Jim Webb's (D-Va.) decision not to seek another term in 2012.

Webb announced his decision earlier Wednesday and, while the announcement doesn't come as a surprise to most observers, it does leave Democrats scrambling for a candidate and hands an early advantage to the GOP.

"I am disappointed," Connolly told The Ballot Box, praising Webb's one term in the Senate and admitting that his exit, "creates a real vacuum."

Connolly wouldn't concede that Webb's decision puts the GOP in the driver's seat for 2012, emphasizing that Webb's early exit leaves Democrats with ample time to find a viable candidate. Connolly also wouldn't rule out a Senate run of his own next year.

"Right now, I'm absorbing this announcement and its implications for the commonwealth, and I certainly want the opportunity to talk to Jim personally and tell him how much I appreciate his service," he said. "The future will take care of itself."

"We were hoping that he was running," Scott said of Webb. "But it's not a shock; it's a disappointment."

Scott, too, wouldn't rule out a run next year, but he indicated it was unlikely.

"Everybody is going to consider it, but I'm happy where I am," said Scott, adding that Webb made his announcement "in time for people to plan to get in the race. He hasn't left anybody hanging."

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, a former governor of Virginia, is the top choice among state Democrats, but all indications are that he will have to be convinced, perhaps at the highest of levels. Connolly suggested it might take a "presidential" push to get Kaine in the race.

Connolly also mentioned former Reps. Tom Perriello (D-Va.) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.) as potential candidates.

On the Republican side, former Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) is already in the race, but he faces a potentially tough and crowded GOP primary.

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