'Born Fighter' Settles Down To Collegial First Term

Some pundits have mentioned Webb as a potential running mate for the Democratic presidential nominee this year. He won't talk about it, but even supporters say it would be difficult for him.

Some constituents and party activists say Webb does not interact very much with the people who elected him. While other members of Congress spend their time away from Washington holding town hall meetings and appearing at events around their states, Webb shies from public events. Last month, he was a no-show at the Democratic Party of Virginia's annual fundraiser, which drew record crowds because of appearances by presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

"Webb has mastered the Washington side of his job, but the job of getting out and speaking with constituents and hearing their concerns seems to be something he hasn't warmed up to," said Jennifer Duffy, who analyzes the Senate for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report in Washington.

Webb is relatively unknown even in his own party. Several state and local elected officials in both parties say they have limited interaction, if any, with Webb or his staff.

His recent foray into the Democratic primary for the 11th Congressional District race to succeed Tom Davis (R) was surprising. He endorsed Leslie L. Byrne over Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, even though he usually stays out of primary endorsements.

"He's kind of an apolitical politician. He doesn't fit the mold at all," said Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.) "Politics doesn't come naturally."

Moran, who recalled witnessing Webb staring straight ahead while participating in a Falls Church parade, said he wanted to tell Webb to loosen up and engage the crowd.

Mame Reiley, Virginia's Democratic National Committee member, said that when people complain they do not see Webb, it just means he is in high demand.

"He has hunkered down and gotten to know the internal workings of the Senate," she said. "He's doing what he was elected to do."

Webb said that he has participated in more events across the state than people might realize but stressed that his job does not require him to give speeches and attend meetings like other statewide officeholders.

"The difference in being, say, a governor and senator is my job is right here," he said in his Senate office.

Webb's opportunity for public interaction was limited last year because Senate leaders kept lawmakers in session an uncharacteristic five days a week. He is completing a book to be released in May, which he calls a series of "think pieces" based on his experiences, and is helping care for his year-old daughter. He took congressional trips to Asia and Iraq and raised money and campaigned for state and local candidates in the fall.