George Allen quickly quelled speculation he would dodge other Republicans competing for the U.S. Senate nomination in Virginia in a series of debates in the weeks leading up to the primary election. He said Monday that he will participate.
The Republican Party of Virginia late last week sent invitations for three debates to the five Senate campaigns and the less established candidates immediately wondered out loud whether the front-runner Allen would show. Allen, a former governor and senator, is already participating in a December debate with presumptive Democratic nominee Tim Kaine, months before the June Republican primary.
But Allen announced Monday he plans to attend all three debates, subjecting himself to what will likely be an onslaught of attacks from a conservative field of candidates trying to position themselves right of the former U.S. senator. Allen faces Jamie Radtke, Tim Donner, Earl Jackson and David McCormick.
| Related Coverage |
|
|
The first debate is scheduled for the second week of April in Roanoke, followed by two debates in May, one in Northern Virginia and another in Hampton Roads.
“This upcoming 2012 election will be pivotal in determining the future of our country,” Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas said. “George Allen believes it is essential for Republicans to discuss solutions to the important issues affecting Virginia families and businesses.”
