Steve Waters, who managed the unsuccessful 2008 U.S. Senate camapaign of Del. Bob Marshall, R-Prince William, is joining George Allen’s 2012 U.S. Senate campaign as “advisor on family policy issues.”
The move comes as Allen seeks to shore up support from social conservatives across the state in a bid to regain his former Senate seat; the Allen camp has already sent out a mailer touting the former governor’s pro-life bona fides.
“Steve’s experience in organizing and educating grassroots activists will be valuable to our grassroots insurgency as we take our positive, motivating message to men and women throughout Virginia,” said Allen. “Susan and I are grateful that Steve is joining as a leader on our team.”
Waters’ resume includes work with the Virginia Christian Alliance, the Family Foundation, and the Virginia Family Policy Council for Focus on The Family. He also worked to pass a 2006 constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in the state.
“As an elected leader, George Allen has led on issues such as parental notification of abortions for minors, banning of partial birth abortions and many other issues,” Waters wrote in an email. “And with my appointment as family policy advisor, Gov. Allen is demonstrating that his commitment to our values is for the future as well.”
Allen is set to face at least four candidates in the GOP primary: Tea Party activist Jamie Radtke, Chesapeake Bishop E.W. Jackson, Hampton Roads attorney David McCormick, and Northern Virginia businessman Tim Donner.
Marshall, who is also weighing a bid, said the move was “suprising,” but, paraphrasing Mark Twain, added, “Reports of my political demise in this [area] are exaggerated.”
“None of the volunteers who help me have told me they’re helping George Allen, so that’s more telling than anything else,” he said.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart is also weighing a bid on the GOP side.
