Television Ad Shows Reagan Praising Webb In 1985 Speech

Allen campaign manager Dick Wadhams said Webb, who served three years as assistant secretary of defense and less than a year as Navy secretary, does not deserve Reagan's praise. Webb has supported GOP candidates in the past, including Allen in 2000.

"Jim Webb constantly criticized practically every major foreign policy and defense policy of Ronald Reagan's, and he quit after only 10 months when he didn't get his way," Wadhams said.

He also cited a book by Webb's top political consultants, Steve Jarding and Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, who wrote that Reagan was "a pompous, ignorant fool" and that "the vast bulk of Reagan's Administration was a sell-out and a sham."

"For him to wrap himself in Ronald Reagan reeks of hypocrisy," Wadhams said.

Todd responded: "Let's let Reagan speak for Reagan."

Political observers said Webb's decision to use Reagan in his first ad has risks. The ad does little to energize Webb's base of Democratic voters, who must turn out in large numbers for him to win in November. Webb was criticized during the primary against former lobbyist Harris Miller for failing to court blacks and union supporters, and an ad featuring Reagan may not appeal to those constituencies, observers said.

"It's an unusual ad for a Democrat, but in this state it'll sell," said state Sen. Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax), the chamber's minority leader.

Staff writer Tim Craig contributed to this report.