Webb endorses Houck

By: Steven Butler | Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: October 24, 2011

U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D) spoke in support of Virginia State Senator Edd Houck at a Culpeper coffeehouse Friday afternoon.

Houck is seeking reelection for the 17^th district state senate seat. Webb spoke at Raven’s Nest Coffee House on East Davis Street. Among those present were local government officials, including Culpeper Mayor Chip Coleman and supervisor Steve Nixon, and several military veterans of various branches.

“I think that the stakes in the Virginia Senate in terms of party balance are very important,” said Webb. He said that by attending, he wanted to make sure people saw Houck’s “extremely balanced and thoughtful leadership.” After his brief remarks, Webb introduced Houck.

“Jim Webb exemplifies exactly what we need in Washington,” said Houck. “There comes that time in decision making when you just simply have to go your own way.”

Webb interjected and said there is a “paralysis that now affects our system because the two parties have moved so far apart.

“We have to get beyond this. We have to convince people that they have to come forward and govern,” said Webb. Houck said in this race he has tried to focus on key issues including how to support the aging baby boomer generation and education.

“I am a Democrat and I am proud to be a Democrat,” said Houck. However, “When it comes time to represent the 200,000 people in this district, there are times you simply have to put the partisanship aside.”

Houck said he was pleased to receive Webb’s endorsement.

“Jim Webb is an exemplary statesman, military hero and a great Virginian,” said Houck. “His endorsement is extremely important to me. I think we both really believe in getting bipartisan solutions to real problems facing Virginia.” The longtime incumbent, Houck believes his years of experience will be a deciding factor for voters.

“When you get into the blame game, nothing gets resolved,” said Houck. He said he vows to “use good, practical common sense but not let the partisanship lead.”

Houck has served in the state senate since 1984. He is squaring off against Republican candidate Bryce Reeves in the upcoming election.