04:33 PM EDT on Friday, May 19, 2006

Associated Press

Click to watch the debate

Pete McElveen, WVEC.com

James Webb and Harris Miller debated and argued on WVEC-TV's On The Record.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Two Democrats vying for their party's U.S. Senate nomination ripped into each other in their first debate Friday with rhetoric that was often angry, sometimes breathless and, at one point, apocalyptic.

Wealthy former technology industry lobbyist Harris Miller and former Reagan Navy Secretary James H. Webb bitterly accused each other of siding with Republicans.

Miller struck first, citing Webb's endorsement six years ago of Republican George Allen, who won his seat by defeating Democratic former Sen. Chuck Robb. Allen is seeking re-election as he positions himself for a 2008 presidential run.

"You attacked Chuck Robb, a fellow Marine, in 2000," Miller charged, interrupting Webb as he lashed Allen for supporting President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq.

"I never attacked Chuck Robb," Webb shot back, "and second of all, why have 11 people from his senior staff endorsed me instead of you?"

Miller noted his edge in endorsements from state legislators and major figures in the state party establishment.

Webb countered that five senior U.S. Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, had endorsed him.

"They don't live in Virginia," Miller fumed.

Webb asked Miller why, if he was such a stalwart Democrat, he wrote personal checks to at least three GOP congressional candidates, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert. And he questioned Miller's standing with labor, implying he was part of a corporate ethic that "outsourced" U.S. jobs to firms overseas.

"You've been called the Antichrist of outsourcing," Webb said, noting his endorsement by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association.

After the 30-minute taping, Miller said that he made the contributions when he was president of the Information Technology Association of America and the lobbying group's board demanded that he give to Republicans to deflate claims by Capitol Hill conservatives that the ITAA favored Democrats.

Webb, who announced his first run for elected office two months ago, brought up his scant tenure as a Democrat in the debate.

"There are a lot of people like me who should come back to the Democratic Party, and you should be grateful for that since you're a loyal Democrat," Webb told Miller.

Both Democrats repeatedly lashed Bush -- who was in nearby Virginia Beach on Friday at a fundraiser for Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Va. -- over the war and over an energy policy dependent on Middle Eastern oil.

Webb referred to articles he had written years before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks warning that the only winner of a U.S. invasion of Iraq would be its neighbor and rival, Iran. Miller said it was time Iraq's security was turned over to Iraqis, American troops came home and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was fired.

Miller said he supports forcing automakers to substantially improve fuel efficiency of cars and greater use of fuels made from farm crops. Webb went one step farther and said he supported more nuclear power. Miller disagreed, citing problems storing spent nuclear fuel.

But the only scheduled duel between the two will be remembered for its menacing mood, not policy.

Webb let his irritation at Miller show a few times.

His use of a hot-button New Testament term on Miller, who is Jewish, may haunt Webb, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

"It means he's getting a lesson in what you can and can't say," Sabato said.

The mutual rancor was clear after the debate when reporters asked both men whether they would support the primary winner. Both agreed, but as Webb began his response, Miller interrupted him, pushing for an answer.

"Harris, if you'll shut your mouth, I'll answer the question," Webb snapped, glaring at Miller before continuing. "If you win, I will support you."

The debate airs Sunday morning in the "On the Record with Joel Rubin Show" on WVEC-TV in Norfolk.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)