In a statement that I find to be a great relief, Jim Webb is out as a potential Vice-Presidential nominee:
"Last week I 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.
This is the latest casualty from the semi-short list that was leaked last month:
Evan Bayh (Sen-IN)
Joe Biden (Sen-DE)
Wes Clark (Gen-AR): Recent semi-scandal
Hillary Clinton (Sen-NY)
Tom Daschle (Sen-SD)
Chris Dodd (Sen-CT): Recent semi-scandal
James Jones (Gen-MO): Supports McCain
Tim Kaine (Gov-VA)
John Kerry (Sen-MA)
Patty Murray (Sen-WA)
Bill Nelson (Sen-FL)
Sam Nunn (Sen-GA)
Jack Reed (Sen-RI)
Kathleen Sebelius (Gov-KS)
Mark Warner (Gov-VA)
Jim Webb (Sen-VA): Absolutely declines interest
It probably also makes sense to remove John Kerry from the list, since that would be a truly strange and "not change" sort of pick. Warner also doesn't make much sense, given that he is running for Senate. This leaves us with only eight leaked possibilities: Bayh, Biden, Clinton, Daschle, Kaine, Murray, Nelson, Nunn, Reed and Sebelius. It is probably a good idea to throw on Janet Napolitano, AZ-Gov, for good measure, since I heard that many on Obama's staff consider her to be a probable short-lister.
Seems like pretty slim pickings, but there are still a few decent options. In the extended entry, take the poll on which one of the remaining nine you would like to see selected.
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