News

Actions

Democratic ex-Va. Sen. Jim Webb announces presidential bid

Posted at 2:47 PM, Jul 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-02 14:47:26-04

WASHINGTON — Former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb announced his campaign for president Thursday. Webb would become the fifth Democrat to join the primary contest, though in his announcement he did not say specifically that he was seeking the Democratic nomination. Webb made the announcement on social media, linking to a lengthy letter on his website explaining why he wants to run.

“We need to shake the hold of these shadow elites on our political process,” Webb wrote. “Our elected officials need to get back to the basics of good governance and to remember that their principal obligations are to protect our national interests abroad and to ensure a level playing field here at home.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said welcomed Webb’s bid to seek the Democratic nomination for President in 2016.

“Senator Webb has a long and distinguished record of service to his country, both in the Marines and in public office. His leadership on the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a sterling example of the Democratic commitment to ensuring the opportunities available for our veterans when they return home,” she said.