RICHMOND-In a climactic finish to a hard-fought race, former Gov. George Allen (R) defeated incumbent Sen. Charles S. Robb (D) 52 percent to 48 percent in the race for Virginia's U.S. Senate seat.
Although Robb was a two-term incumbent and former governor of Virginia who defeated Oliver North (R) in the 1994 Senate election, he was unable to hold onto his seat in the face of Allen's challenge. Allen served as governor immediately preceding current Gov. James S. Gilmore III (R).
Allen's triumph, announced by major news networks at 7:35 last night, is more than just a personal achievement - it marks a significant victory for Virginia's Republican Party.
Now, with Robb's defeat, Republicans hold all the elected statewide offices in Virginia.
Allen's win "shows a significant change in Virginia politics over the past 10 years," Attorney General Mark L. Earley said at Allen's victory party at the Marriot Hotel in Richmond, because "Republicans are focused on issues important to the quality of life" of their constituents.
"The Republican Revolution started with the election of Allen as governor and it is fitting that it will consummate with his election to the Senate," Del. Paul Harris (R-Charlottesville) said at the event. Harris was Allen's campaign manager.
Harris cited Allen's victory as a "historic moment for Republicans, who were a minority for a century" in Virginia politics.
In that election, Allen's campaign centerpiece was the abolition of parole.
Early in the Senate race, Allen built a strong grassroots campaign, appealing to voters in rural Virginia. Recent polls, however, showed Allen's lead diminishing as Robb closed in to make the race a dead heat.
But Allen's base proved to be a strong enough support as he campaigned and fought for much-needed votes in the suburbs of Richmond, Washington, D.C. and the Tidewater area.
Virginia General Assembly Del. Jay Katzen (R-Warrenton) cited integrity as one of the primary deciding issues.
Katzen said Allen proved he possesses the "direction, responsibility to the people and principles [to] restore leadership."
"In the end, it comes down to who they [the voters] can trust," Earley said.
Virginia residents are "looking forward to having a senator who is a real voice for Virginia," he said.
Other Republicans also expressed the importance of electing a senator with a strong character.
Vance Wilkins (R-Amherst), Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, said "George Allen will do exactly what he said in his campaign. He will work to keep his promises."
Other key factors included "giving money back to the people, restoring dignity to the military and changing from a large, bloated government to one that is responsible and accountable," Katzen said.
Robb's apparent lack of leadership in the Senate and perceived distance from his constituents also contributed to his defeat, Harris said.
"Allen's proposal for a $1,000 education tax credit has resonated well with the voters - over 70 percent of voters approve" of the program, he said.
Steve Bowman, second-year College student and College Republicans member, said education was vital in the election.
"For me, personally, I'm going to be looking out for education issues," Bowman said. "It's time that people finally realize that Virginia needs some new representation, some change."
"Here in Virginia, people appreciate the job Allen did as governor" and want to see him in a position of leadership again, Earley said.
A Washington Post poll conducted from Oct. 22-26 reported with a 3 percent margin of error that likely voters thought Allen would surpass Robb because of his stance on two issues: working to keep the military strong and holding taxes down.
Katzen noted the importance of Allen's victory to the younger generation of Virginians.
Allen will be "giving you and your peers the ability to spend your money," he said, referring to the ongoing Social Security debate.
Both Allen and Robb realized the importance of the final spending push, together dumping almost $3.8 million on ads in the 18 days of the final stretch before Virginians cast their votes. During the final push, Allen spent $2.2 million, compared to Robb's $1.6 million.
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