Last night Sen. George Allen, R-Va., gave a two-minute television address in an effort to redirect coverage of his campaign for Senate reelection against opponent, Jim Webb. He said he sought to move to campaign issues beyond "baseless" allegations that he used racial epithets in college..
This statewide address marks a turning point in the Allen campaign, said Brad Crispin, spokesperson for the campaign. The goal of last night's remarks was to "get the campaign back on real issues," Crispin said.
Allen said he feels this campaign should be focused on the issues that concern Virginians.
According to Jessica Smith, a spokesperson for the Webb campaign, this type of effort on Allen's part is typical.
"It's not surprising that he would buy two minutes of air time for a pre-packaged, one-sided, controlled speech where he basically dominates the conversation without room for response, conversation or dialogue," Smith said.
The campaign should not be focused on accusations about the candidate's past, according to University College Republicans chair Amber VerValin.
"This negative campaigning is not going to work, and is going to do a great disservice to the voters of Virginia," VerValin said.
In his announcement, Allen stated that the election should return to his record as governor, which Allen said includes tax cuts, increasing jobs, abolishing parole for criminals and increasing the accountability of the state's education system. Allen also mentioned national issues he is concerned about, including securing borders, preventing terrorism and withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.
Allen reiterated how he wants to move the campaign debate toward issues relevant to the Virginia people. He said he hopes to "have an invigorating debate worthy of Virginian voters."
In an e-mail yesterday, Webb campaign spokesperson Jeff Pyatt said Webb would hold an interactive conference call with press members to respond to George Allen's announcement shortly after it aired.
However, following Allen's announcement, Webb refused to comment. Steve Jarding, general consultant for the Webb campaign, relayed this message to press members calling in for the scheduled conference.
In the most recent poll conducted by Mason-Dixon, each candidate received the support of 43 percent of the likely votes in Virginia. Two percent of the voters supported a third party and the remaining 12 percent of the voters were undecided.
Crispin said the Allen campaign hopes that last night's announcement will help to push Allen ahead of Webb in the Virginia senatorial race.
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