If ever a campaign demonstrated that mudslinging obscures the discussion of issues most needed to help voters make informed voting decisions, the contest between incumbent Sen. George Allen and former Navy secretary and unreconstructed Scots-Irishman Jim Webb has done it. The 2006 Virginia senatorial contest will be talked about for many years as one of the dirtiest ever. Both candidates have given Virginians reasons in about equal proportions to shake their heads in disgust.
But votes must still be cast and after clearing away the charges, counter charges and counter-counter charges, this essential fact remains: Allen most consistently represents the moderate conservative consensus of the commonwealth and he has performed extremely well in the U.S. Senate on behalf of his constituents.
Contrary to the pundits, the most important issue facing the country is not Iraq, it is winning the war on terrorism. Allen has long recognized the need for flexibility in the U.S. conduct of the Iraq campaign, but he has never lost sight of the fact decisions there must be made in the broader context of ensuring that America succeeds in the war on terrorism. For that reason, he has supported strong measures to protect the nation’s ports from terrorist threats and to control the nation’s border with Mexico. He appreciates that America has always been a nation of immigrants, but protecting our borders is a first priority. Allen has, in short, kept his eye on the long-term interests of the nation in foreign policy.
On domestic issues, Allen has demonstrated a flair for leadership on technology concerns by leading the campaign to keep the Internet tax-free, and he wants to make permanent the temporary tax cuts approved in 2001 because he believes people can spend their money more reasonably than government. On health care, Allen is among the Senate’s most prominent voices for expanding consumer choice via health savings accounts. He recognizes that achieving energy independence should be a national priority and, thanks in great part to his experience as Virginia’s governor, he has detailed plans to help make such independence a reality.
Allen has worked hard, long and well for Virginians — as a congressman, governor and senator — and for that reason he deserves another six years in the U.S. Senate.
Part of the Washington DC Examiner’s 2006 election coverage.
