U.S. Sen. Jim Webb is the latest Virginia Democrat to quit his party's veepstakes.

In a written statement released yesterday by his office, Webb said he has told presidential nominee in-waiting Barack Obama, "Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for vice president."

Webb follows former Gov. Mark R. Warner in ruling out a vice presidential bid this year. Warner is running for the Senate seat of Republican John W. Warner, who is retiring.

Vice presidential efforts for Webb, Mark Warner and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine appear largely born of the view in both parties that Virginia is in play this year, and that a Virginian on the ticket could tip the traditionally Republican state -- and its 13 electoral votes -- to the Democrats for the first time in 44 years.

Kaine, a national co-chairman of Obama's campaign, has disavowed vice presidential ambitions, but he has refused to remove himself from possible consideration.

Webb is a freshman senator who was elected narrowly two years ago over Republican incumbent George Allen, himself a presumed presidential candidate at the time.

Political handicappers say Webb -- as a decorated Marine combat veteran of Vietnam and former Navy secretary under President Ronald Reagan -- would bring national-security credentials to a ticket led by Obama, who also is serving his first term in the Senate.

Webb said he would remain in the Senate to focus on an agenda that includes economic fairness, increased government accountability and stronger national defense.

"I am convinced that my efforts and talents toward those ends are best served in the Senate," said Webb, who recently won new education and training benefits for military veterans.

Larry J. Sabato, a political analyst at the University of Virginia, said Webb would not have been a good match for Obama, because the Virginian, like the presumed nominee, is a congressional newcomer.

"It's too much, too soon," Sabato said. "Webb just got into the Senate. Certain things about it just don't fit."

Sabato does not think that Webb's withdrawal would make it any more likely that Obama will pick Kaine. "What does [Kaine] do for Obama -- provide him with a friend from a swing state?"

Webb was publicly neutral during the protracted nomination fight between Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, both of whom appeared on his behalf in 2006.

Webb, however, affirmed his support for Obama yesterday. "At this time, I am also renewing my commitment to work hard to make sure Senator Obama wins both Virginia and the presidency this November. . . . I will proudly campaign for him."

Kaine, in a statement issued by his political-action committee, said Webb "would have made a great vice president," but "it is good news for Virginia that he will continue to represent the commonwealth in the U.S. Senate."

Delacey Skinner, Kaine's communications director, said the governor "is always flattered to be mentioned" as a possible running mate for Obama, but "his focus now is governing Virginia and the special [legislative] session on transportation" that begins tomorrow.
Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com.