The White House celebration after Clinton Inaugural, 1992

By John Arundel
Managing Editor

The letters, calls e-mails and personal pleas for Inauguration 2009 tickets are pouring into Jim Webb's Senate office like a Biblical flood. Ticket requestors are asking to bring their extended families, their neighbors, their church groups -- entire busloads of parade-watchers if they can.

As of this week, the requests for tickets stood at more than 26,000, according to Webb spokesperson Jessica Smith.

On Thursday, Webb sent a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA.), Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, asking that Virginia’s proximity to Washington be considered when appropriating Inauguration tickets to Members of Congress.  

"As you determine how tickets will be allotted to congressional offices for the Inaugural Swearing-In ceremony, I ask that you consider Virginia’s proximity to the nation’s capital and the large number of federal employees who reside within the Commonwealth," Webb wrote. "My office has already received in excess of 26,000 ticket requests from Virginians, often requesting multiple tickets each, for the Swearing-In ceremony.  It is our hope to accommodate as many residents of the Capital-area as possible, and I hope you take into consideration our unique situation."

By sending the letter, Webb said he was hoping to ensure a "fair and viable system" for Inaugural activities.