Ahh, that political money spigot. From the AP this weekend:

It’s becoming something of a tradition: a top political leader in Virginia offering thanks and pledging solidarity with labor unions at the annual political convention of the Virginia AFL-CIO.

On Friday, U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., thanked the labor movement for its early and fervent support in his narrow upset victory over incumbent George Allen.

His speech was remarkably similar to the one offered a year ago by Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who said labor’s support helped him defeat Republican Jerry Kilgore in 2005.

I guess it paid off:

Virginia AFL-CIO President James Leaman introduced Webb and told the audience of 300 delegates “he has exceeded our expectations” since taking office. Among other things, Webb sponsored legislation sought by unions that would make it easier to organize workplaces by changing the rules by which workers vote for union representation. 

That is a generous interpretation of some pretty terrible legislation.