RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Jim Webb's decision not to seek another term means Virginia Democrats must either persuade former Gov. Tim Kaine to run in 2012 or likely field someone who has never won a statewide race.
State Democratic Party Chairman Brian Moran says Kaine clearly tops the list and Moran hopes that he runs.
Kaine is now chairman of the Democratic National Committee and officials said Thursday he would not be available for comment.
Moran says a lack of statewide success by other potential Democratic candidates doesn't mean the party is weak.
He noted that no one even knew Webb was a Democrat, much less interested in a Senate run, six years ago. Webb upset then-Sen. George Allen in 2006. The Republican is seeking to reclaim his former seat in 2012.
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