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October 6, 2008 10:57:34 PM CDT

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'Redneck' Lawmaker Gives Obama Unlikely Boost

Posted Jun 21, 08 2:41 PM CDT in Politics 

(Newser) – Jim Webb, Virginia’s firebrand junior senator, is becoming Barack Obama’s wing man for courting pro-military and national defense voters. A respected war veteran and best-selling novelist, he is also among the more colorful candidates for Barack Obama's VP slot. But the politician who calls himself a "redneck" does have his liabilities, the Wall Street Journal notes.

He sometimes flouts political etiquette, once refusing to shake President Bush’s hand when asked about his son’s Iraq deployment. And, in 1979, he opposed military service for women. Still, many Dems regard Webb as their best shot at upstaging fellow vet John McCain on military issues. Of the VP slot, Webb says, "I just don't think that's a good job for me."

Source Wall Street Journal

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Many Democrats consider Jim Webb, a highly decorated war veteran who opposes the Iraq war, Barack Obama's point man on issues of the military and national defense.   (AP Photo/Meet The Press, Alex Wong)
Jim Webb is on Barack Obama's short list for vice presidential candidates, insiders say.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Jim Webb has a zeal that sometimes defies political niceties, the Wall Street Journal says. He didn't shake President Bush's hand when asked about his son's Iraq deployment.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va. right, listens as Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., speaks during a news conference. The Senators expressed their support for a new G.I. Bill.   (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
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Barack Obama  • John McCain  • Democrats  • vice presidential sweepstakes  • Virginia  • Jim Webb


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