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George, On June 13, Virginia voters will choose their Democratic Senate candidate, either former Secretary of the Navy and best-selling author Jim Webb or Northern Virginia businessman Harris Miller. In Virginia, registered voters can choose to vote in either political party's primary election. That's why, in endorsing Jim Webb for the Senate, I want to explain why I think he deserves the support not only of Democrats but of all independent-minded voters in Greene County who want change and new vigor in our government. Jim is not a professional politician. This is his first campaign for public office, but he has a lifetime record of service to his country. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968 and served heroically in Vietnam as a highly-decorated Marine officer. After graduating from Georgetown Law School in 1975, he served as counsel to the House Veterans Affairs Committee and has continued ever since to do pro bono legal work for veterans and refugees. In 1984, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, and in 1987 he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Reagan. Jim Webb is an outstanding leader, a man of thoughtful independence and moral courage. He resigned as Navy Secretary to protest a mandated reduction in force structure. Five months before the invasion of Iraq, he was one of the few national leaders to speak out against the war, warning of the inevitable long-term commitment of troops without an exit strategy. In his campaign, Jim calls for economic and social fairness to help working families who are being squeezed by stagnant wages and the rising cost of living. He wants to refocus our foreign and defense policies to truly protect our national interests and rebuild America's moral leadership in the world. He will work to restore the Constitutional role of Congress as an equal partner in government and hold our leaders accountable. Jim Webb embodies the finest traditions of a true Virginia soldier and public servant. As Senator, he will be a champion for all of us. Roy A. Dye (electronic mail, June 5, 2006)
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