Va. Senator Not the Firebrand Many Expected

Virginia Sen. James Webb hasn’t played the part of hot-tempered agitator many expected in his freshman term, the Washington Post reports. Making friends and taking legislative strides, Webb “has vaulted to a position of influence,” said one colleague. But "the job of getting out and speaking with constituents and hearing their concerns seems to be something he hasn't warmed up to," one analyst says.

Webb says he’s simply mired in Washington and in writing a book on his experiences. Indeed, the Democrat has taken DC friendship-making to a surprising extreme, even acting to “bury the hatchet” with President Bush: After first mouthing off to the president when asked about his Marine son, Webb arranged for the three to have a private Oval Office chat. (More James Webb stories.)