Article: Webb May Be Senate Maverick; Newest Member Expected to Take Antiwar Lead

James Webb walked into the Fish Market restaurant in Alexandria in December and wanted longtime Democratic strategist Steve Jarding to answer just one question: What were his chances of defeating Sen. George Allen (R), one of Virginia's most popular politicians?

"Give me a number. What are my odds?" Webb, who had never run for elective office, asked.

"I said, 'Jim, they are really low,' " Jarding recalled. Webb shot back, "Give me a number."

After Jarding said "15 percent," Webb confidently said, "If I have that much of a chance, I will take it and win."

Webb's long shot paid off last week as he unseated Allen after a bruising campaign, giving Democrats control of the Senate.

With the ...

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