Hmm. He’s not up for reelection until 2012, which means he has 1,061 days until the voters decide again, but Jim Webb sent out his first fundraising e-mail this morning:

As I begin thinking about a re-election campaign, I do so with the realization that I will face the same Karl-Rove-style politics that marked my 2006 campaign. In Virginia political circles, there is already plenty of speculation about popular and well-funded Republican politicians eager to take me on. Whomever the Republicans choose as my opponent, he or she won’t be wanting for campaign contributions.
So I am making a simple request. Our economy is enduring difficult times, and I am acutely mindful that it has affected almost every one of you. But if you believe in the style of leadership I am attempting to bring to the United States Senate, I would appreciate your support. Your contribution to Jim Webb for Senate will help me begin to gather the resources it will take to face the stiff opposition that is already beginning to organize.

Don’t be so sure that your Republican opponent will be well-funded, Senator. Gov. Bob McDonnell will only overcome the economic policies of President Obama so much.

By the way, the fundraising e-mail is 1,643 words long, and the words “health care” do not appear.