Sen. Allen and 2008: rising star ... or paper tiger?

By: Rob
Published On: 11/26/2005 2:00:00 AM

Some D.C. pundits have touted Sen. George Allen as a potential star in 2008.  Some in the conservative blogosphere beg to differ:

I really don't think Allen has a chance, very simply, because he is just not an impressive candidate.  Not well spoken, not very experienced, and most importantly to us, not too conservative either.  Allen's support for first trimester abortions, embryonic stem cell research, and his questionable position on Roe ("I hold a position of reasonable moderation on the excesses of abortion,"- George Allen. He supports most of the movement's politically achievable goals, but not necessarily its ultimate ends) are red flags that certainly won't be missed by social conservatives in 2008, and his fiscal policy record is incredibly unimpressive for someone garnering such early press for his potential run.  I expect once the primary season starts, people will be exposed to Allen and will leave unimpressed, just like I am, and will look towards one of the four aforementioned front runners for the nomination.  The only reason why I mention him is because of the powerful invisible primary: fundraising.  Due to Allen's experience as RSCC Chairman in 2004, he knows how to fundraise well.  Already Allen's PAC has out raised all but Rudy's and Frist's. . . . Allen is a lackluster candidate and his hype will die quickly once that is exposed.

While Allen is plenty conservative for mainstream Americans, looks like he could lack the conservative stripes for the die-hard right wing base while lacking the charisma or fiscal principles to rescue him in the primary.  If so, he sounds like a ripe target for Virginia Dems in 2006.

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