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The AP is calling it for Webb. I'm hearing he has a several thousand vote lead, and if that's true then I don't think Allen can overturn this, given Virginia's history of counts that stick.

I expected lawsuits nonetheless, but the rumor mill is strong that the national GOP wants Allen to pull out to get the election off the front page -- and to avoid the "sore loser" tag. I remain a little suspicious -- it sounds like the sort of Rovian head fake I've come to expect.

But suppose the news is right. What kind of Senator has Virginia got?

I supported Webb enthusiastically because Allen was so awful. And Webb's platform wasn't so bad given that he's a recent convert from the GOP. That said, he's a hard man to like; although much easier to respect.

In my optimistic moments I think Webb will be an interesting, if occasionally uncomfortable, Senator; perhaps even a free thinker a little in the Daniel Patrick Moynihan mode, although not so pyrotechnic in his public playing with ideas because Webb just doesn't seem as comfortable with people. A Senate full of independent principled intellectuals with real-world experience would be a fine thing. What happens when you throw one or two into the snake pit is harder to call.