SELF-DIAGNOSED political junkies have focused on the obvious campaigns this fall, among them the tight presidential race and the high-profile New York Senate race, as indicators of the national political temperature. One less-ostentatious contest has developed in our own Commonwealth and represents more accurately a difficult, competitive race that has implications for both political parties.
In Virginia, incumbent Democratic Senator and former Gov. Charles "Chuck" Robb is on the receiving end of a substantial challenge from Republican candidate and former Gov. George Allen.
Unlike most challenger races, neither candidate has the "feel" of a newcomer to the statewide electorate. In 1981, voters swept a youthful and energetic Robb into office as Governor. In 1993, the same set of voters surprised every major pundit by choosing a previously-unknown Allen over an experienced and established Democratic opponent.
Both candidates left office with relatively high approval numbers, having advanced their own series of initiatives. In Robb's case, those initiatives centered on increased funds for teacher salaries, gifted and talented programs and higher education. Allen's issues focused on welfare reform, parole abolishment and establishing the Standards of Learning for primary and secondary schools. In both cases, voters seemed to approve of the candidates' respective visions for Virginia.
Understanding that those voters cannot choose both of them for the Senate, Allen and Robb have each attempted to claim the high ground on issues of federal, rather than state, concern. On taxes, Allen has hounded Robb on the incumbent's votes against a repeal on estate taxes and against the elimination of the marriage tax penalty. Allen has also gone after Robb's personal sponsorship of a bill that would have increased national gas taxes by 50 cents per gallon. Robb's response to such tax-related charges has argued that his votes reflect a strong fiscal conservatism and opposition to deficit spending.
While Allen has focused on standard fiscal issues, Robb has accused Allen of harming public education and eroding the environment while Governor. To that end, Robb has enlisted the standard Democratic torch bearers of the Sierra Club and the Virginia Education Association. In an amusing turn-of-events, Allen has taken aim at Robb's own record as Governor, pointing to incidents where Robb attempted to cut education spending in 1983.
In addition to the different approaches to issues, each candidate reflects a different personality type and campaign style. Allen, a former starting quarterback at Mr. Jefferson's University, is a gregarious, friendly, smiling, toothy and partisan figure. Known for wearing cowboy boots and dipping snuff, the bright-faced Allen seems to equally enjoy speaking one-on-one and energizing a large crowd.
He carries such a grinning countenance into political battle, joyfully describing the "Clinton-Robb" agenda on taxation, foreign policy, et al. In a response advertisement to Robb's criticisms of his education record as Governor, Allen actually says, "Heck," as if he were talking to fishing buddies along the New River.
In contrast, Robb seems to lack Allen's enthusiasm and comfort in dealing with large numbers of voters. Rather than engaging in numerous campaign rallies, the former Governor has taken to more formalized speeches and interviews. The Washington Post has reported the Senator's pride in amassing a near-perfect voting record in Washington. Moreover, Robb has worn his constant presence in the nation's capitol as a badge of honor, stating that, in effect, he has done his job as a representative of the people.
The implications of the Allen-Robb race have the potential to be far-reaching for both parties. The aforementioned differences on issues embody the standard Republican-versus-Democratic parlay played out daily on CNN's "Crossfire."
However, Allen's personality resembles that of a slightly more aggressive George W. Bush. Combining an outgoing, friendly personality with a traditional, conservative platform contrasts with the squishy compassionate conservatism of Bush. A Bush loss or marginal win, combined with an Allen victory, may give Republicans reason to consider repackaging conservative themes as conservative themes.
In the case of the Democrats, a Robb defeat would leave the Virginia Democratic Party without a statewide elected official - an unprecedented occurrence in the land of the Byrd Machine. Without an elected leader, Democrats will likely desire a different approach to Virginia politics and a different, energetic candidate.
That leadership will arrive in the upcoming year, as high-tech rich person Mark Warner attempts to attain the Governor's mansion. More than likely, Warner will watch the Allen-Robb race with an analytical eye, hoping to apply the techniques of the victorious former Governor - whichever it may be in his own upcoming race.
(Seth Wood's column appears Wednesdays in The Cavalier Daily.)
Read More
PARTING SHOT: Risk and reward
By Charlie Healy | 8 minutes agoThe college newspaper was nowhere on my radar, and I had no previous experience with journalism.
PARTING SHOT: You are your own limit
By Wardah Kamran | 5 hours agoMe, my staffers, we were there. And it happened. And I think that is important enough.
PARTING SHOT: When it comes to art, it pays to pay attention
By Delaney Hammond | 2 days agoEven among people who value the arts, carving out space for critical engagement with — rather than just passive consumption of — art has been an endeavor I have treasured.
