The Atlantic: Webb refused the VP slot after Obama vetting team requested info for background check

[TeamJordan23]

Obama's Search Team Begins To Vet

07 Jul 2008 05:24 pm

Barack Obama's vice presidential selection team has begun to ask potential candidates for information and documents, a signal that the formal vetting phase of the search process has begun.

Last week, members of the team gave Sen. James Webb of VA a list of what they needed to begin their investigation of his background and career. Webb refused, telling them that he did not want to be considered for the position.

In a statement today, Webb disclosed that he had "communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."

A Democrat close to Webb confirms that a request for documents preceded his declaration to the Obama campaign. The Democrat said that Webb did not want to relive the vigors of a campaign so soon after his election to the Senate.

Webb's statement suggests that Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, the two leaders of the team, had received instructions from Sen. Obama to vet a number of finalists, including Webb.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/07/obamas_team_begins_to_vet.php

[ErinBerin84]

1. it could really go either way

It could have just been the breaking point of him deciding that he absolutely did not want the job. Well, it would have been interesting, anyways...the VA senate race sure was entertaining!

[MadMaddie]

2. Well at least we know the vetting team is looking at good VP

choices.

Webb will continue to benefit us in the Senate.

[NattPang]

3. I was hesitant on a Webb Veep.

Something to do with Women voters.

[NoodleBoy]

4. he wrote some dumb things about women in the military in the 70's

He may have moderated his opinion since then, but that's not a good place to start from.

[catgirl]

6. He does regret it.... your point is?

[NoodleBoy]

11. wasn't sure if the guy I was replying to knew about that.

problem?

[catgirl]

5. Can't blame him

He got a lot of crap about the gun thing. This is his choice and I respect it.
He would have been a good V.P. though.

[LakeSamish706]

7. I'm happy that he has made his stance and will remain as a great Senator...

I hope the Obama people get the hell away from the Senate for their selection for VEEP.... We need all the great Senators where they are.

[tishaLA]

8. I wish Democrats stopped leaking info to the press

The Obama campaign has been great about this, but people like this "Democrat close to Webb" need to STFU. Allow the process to go on, but let the campaign control this process.

[GoldieAZ49]

9. So Webb is out, to bad, I like him nt

[anonymous171]

10. President Obama is going to need all the allies he can get in the Senate.

No senators for VP, imo.

[papapi]

12. Webb expressed previously that he is comfortable where he is . . .

I don't buy the 'backed out because he didn't want to be vetted' bull-shite. Webb is an honorable man. Who else do you know who has refused a handshake from the shrub?

[ConsAreLiars]

13. "after" does not mean "because" as the article and you imply.

He had been pretty clear he was not interested before that step, and when the formal invitation to contend for that slot was made, he made an even more definite "no." That's all. The "because" implication is just pure mudslinging. Why TheAtlantic/you chose to suggest anything dirty is up to you/them to justify.

[Cha]

14. Good! We need him in the

Senate from Virginia! Remember when he won against george allen?


{warning: ugly site proclaiming george allen will beat Senator James Webb)
http://race42008.com/2006/08/17/why-george-allen-will-beat-james-webb/