George Allen’s Potential Candidacy for the 2008 Presidential Election

As the 2006 midterm elections loom large in the minds of American politicos, the time to begin looking ahead at the 2008 presidential election is coming. While it may seem early to be discussing potential candidates, one only need to remember that hours after John Kerry’s concession speech in November 2004, CNN political analysts were already sizing up the field for 2008. Veteran Virginian politician George Allen has remained a consistent favorite among conservative Republicans seeking a true return to the politics of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. His name recognition, however, remains outside of the margins for many who aren’t part of the National Review set and he has not been an advocate for one issue in general in his two decades of public service. However, Allen has the laid back charm, experience, and party connections to make him a viable threat for the presidential nomination. More likely, he would make a strong vice presidential candidate because he is an able leader who may not have the political drive that would make his relationship with a Republican president contentious.

George Allen was born March 8, 1952, to legendary football coach father George Herbert Allen. Allen moved from Los Angeles to Virginia to attend the University of Virginia, where he received a B.A. degree and law degree. Allen won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates (akin to other states’ assemblies and houses) in 1983 and held the seat until 1991. In fall of 1991, Allen saw an opportunity to move to national politics when a special election was called to fill the House of Representatives seat of congressman D. French Slaughter Jr. His victory was short-lived as redistricting eliminated his district and seat from the state’s House delegation. After leaving the House in 1993, George Allen became the governor of Virginia and served one term, as limited by Virginian law. Allen moved on to the United States Senate in 2000, defeating Chuck Robb to represent the state of Virginia. Allen has decided to seek reelection for the Senate in 2006, which could springboard him to the 2008 presidential election by keeping him in national politics.

George Allen has several intangibles working his way: a lifetime of leadership skills from his legendary father and a career in politics, an amiable manner akin to Reagan’s happy warrior mentality, and the ability to adapt to difficult political situations (as evidenced in the above description). However, he has been criticized for changing his political beliefs to make him more palatable to conservatives. He has also been seen connected to the Christian right, especially Pat Robertson, whom gave tacit endorsement to Allen early in the running. These criticisms, however, may not destroy his chances at the vice presidency in a possible Republican presidency. Few voters select a ticket purely on the vice president and Allen’s connection to the Republican rank-and-file would probably put enough pressure on the presidential nominee to reward Allen for his commitment to the GOP.