The GOP's Best Option In 2008: Sen. George Allen (VA)...

Yes, I know this is waaaaaaay too early. But I have done a little homework and have decided to make this my "Allen watch" resource post.

With a little over three years to go until the 2008 Republican convention, I humbly submit an endorsement of Senator George F. Allen of Virginia for President (despite the fact that he is not yet officially a candidate, but then who is?).

From Allen's website:
Senator George Allen is working tirelessly in the U.S. Senate to make Virginia and America a better place to live, learn, work and raise a family. A self-described “common sense Jeffersonian Conservative”, Senator Allen trusts free people and free enterprise.

Biography:
Born: 3/8/52 (age 56 in 2008 - in Whittier, CA. Resides in Mt. Vernon, VA.
Wife: Susan Allen.
Three children: Tyler, Forrest and Brooke.
Education: B.A., History & Law Degree from University of Virginia
Political Heroes: Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan

Political Experience:

• Served in VA State House
• One-term Congressman (VA-7)
• From 1994-1998, 67th Governor of VA
• Elected to U.S. Senate 2000, junior seat
• Currently serves on:
  - Foreign Relations Committee
  - Energy and National Resources Committee
  - Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
  - Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
• Chairman of National Senatorial Committee in 2002-2004 presided over four-seat increase for GOP.

Sponsored legislation:

• Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act – extending ban on three types of Internet taxes
• Introduced bill in this Congress to raise death benefit for “next of kin” of servicemen killed from $12,000 to $100,000.

Issues: (from Project Vote-Smart)

Interest Group Rankings:

100% (who likes him):

• National Right To Life Committee
• Americans For Tax Reform
• American Shareholders Association
• Republican Liberty Caucus
• Small Business Survival Committee
• National Small Business Association
• Family Research Council
• Concerned Women For America
• League of Private Property Voters
• Partnership For The HomelessVietnam Veterans of America

0% (who DOESNÂ’T like him)

• NARAL
• Planned Parenthood
• ACLU
• National Education Association
• American Coalition For Ethanol
• League of Conservation Voters
• Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• AFSCME
• AFL-CIO
• American Federation of Government Employees

Campaign Finance: (via OpenSecrets.org)

• Individual Contributors: 78%
• PACs: 16%
  - Business: 82%
  - Ideological/Single-Issue: 17%

Summary:
Sen. Allen may not be that well-known at this point, but heÂ’s quickly making a name for himself particulary in the last couple of months with his appearances on TV on behalf of President BushÂ’s judicial nominees as well as John BoltonÂ’s nomination.

He is articulate, telegenic and speaks plainly in the style of his political hero, Ronald Reagan. There is very little Washinton-ese in his vocabulary. His conservative credentials are unimpeachable and his voting record has been consistent with his statements. He is pro-business, pro-tax cuts, socially conservative and supportive of the U.S. military and the Global War on Terror. Allen also has executive experience having served a term as VirginiaÂ’s governor.
Being largely unknown, Allen is considered a “dark horse” by Washington insiders behind bigger names like Frist, Guiliani and Rice. However his positions, experience and style should appeal strongly to the GOP base – especially when campaigning against the likes of John McCain, Chuck Hagel and Mitt Romney.

Of all the prospective nominees, Allen is my early choice. And if he plays it smart he could set himself up as the best choice for the party to win the nomination in 2008. You heard it here first.

Posted by: Gary at 12:37 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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