Virginia Senator Jim Webb, a gruff marine veteran and military expert with blue collar appeal, on Monday definitively ruled out serving as Barack Obama's Democratic vice presidential running mate.
Webb, who could have brought national security heft to Obama's ticket, and may have been able to help deliver his home swing-state to the Illinois Democrat's column, said he owed it to his constituents to stay put.
"Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country," Webb said in a statement.
"Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President," he said, though vowed to proudly campaign for Obama who is gearing up to take on Republican John McCain in the general election.
The plain-spoken Webb was seen as one of the favorites for the vice presidential nod, in that he would have balanced Obama's comparative inexperience and is an expert on military affairs and national security.
Other possible Democratic running mates include Obama's vanquished party rival Hillary Clinton, Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.
