James H Webb

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) on Tuesday described as "unfortunate" an aide's arrest the day before for carrying a loaded pistol into a Senate office building, but he quickly followed that comment with an unapologetic endorsement of the right to bear arms. Cementing his status as one of the most unconventional members of Congress, Webb said that since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, it has been "a more dangerous time" for people in government.

National Democratic leaders were relishing the prospect of a Vietnam War hero and Reagan administration Navy secretary challenging Republican Sen. George Allen, a day after James Webb beat a Democratic Party stalwart in Tuesday's primary for the November election. But beating Allen will be a struggle, even for a Republican turned Democrat with Webb's portfolio.