Senate Candidates in Va. Bicker Over Party Loyalty

"No one can legitimately question Harris Miller's 30-year commitment to and work for Democratic candidates," Miller spokeswoman Taylor West said. "Too many people still have questions about Jim Webb's commitment. He is desperate to deflect those questions about his continued support for Republican positions."

Rubin, whose show airs on WVEC Channel 13 at 10:30 a.m., said the exchange was more testy than he had expected.

"Obviously, it's a sore point with the two campaigns as to who's the better Democrat," Rubin said.

The two expressed differing views on other subjects as well: Webb expressed support for nuclear power, whereas Miller opposed it; and Miller again called for the firing of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, something that Webb again declined to do.

But the exchanges between the two were dominated by questions about what it means to be a Democrat in Virginia.

Miller repeatedly pointed out that Webb -- who admits to being a Republican until 2002 -- endorsed Allen in 2000, when the former governor successfully challenged Democratic Sen. Charles S. Robb.

He said that Webb had even attacked Robb. Miller explained later that he was referring to Webb's comments that Robb was complicit in a corrupt Bill Clinton presidency.

"I welcome Jim Webb into the Democratic Party. What I'm asking is, what are the values he supports?" Miller told reporters.

Asked later whether he thought Webb is a legitimate Democrat, Miller said that "when you welcome someone to the church, you don't necessarily invite them to be the choir director the next day."

Webb said he "made a mistake" in 2000 by supporting Bush and Allen, and he said he has apologized personally to Robb for that. He cited support from some former Robb aides as evidence that it should no longer be an issue.

Several times, Webb accused Miller of not supporting American workers by lobbying for the outsourcing of jobs and noted that several union officials have criticized Miller for advocating that visas be granted to foreign citizens to take jobs in the United States. Miller said that advocacy was done on behalf of the technology association.

Asked whether he would support Webb against Allen in the general election if Webb wins, Miller said that he would. "That's what Democrats do," the former Fairfax County party chairman said.

When Webb was asked the same question, he said, "I have no personal animosities here. None."

Miller jumped in. "Well, why don't you answer the question? You going to support me if you don't win the primary?"

"Harris, if you shut your mouth I'll answer the question," Webb said, then added curtly: "If you win, I will support you."

"Thank you," Miller said.

"You're welcome," Webb said.