Virginia’s U.S. Senate candidates are divided over the politically knotty question of whether to attend this summer’s political conventions or stay home and campaign.
Republican George Allen will skip the GOP convention in Tampa in favor of hitting the campaign trail. Democrat Tim Kaine plans to at least make an appearance at the Democratic convention in Charlotte. The two former governors are vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., in one of the most hotly contested races in the country.
It’s a conundrum for candidates, particularly those in tight contests. Attending the convention can take away from valuable campaign time, but skipping the show can be seen as a slight to the party’s presidential nominee.
Allen’s campaign said Tuesday that he gave up his seat as a convention delegate seat.
“Since we are locked in a close race and can’t be in two places at once, the focus will continue to be listening and meeting with Virginia families, veterans, and small business leaders on the campaign trail,” Allen spokeswoman Emily Davis said.
A number of Democrats running in tough states or districts have opted to skip for fear of being seen with President Obama. Kaine, a former Democratic National Committee chairman, has not backed away from his friendship with Obama and will offer his support of the president at the convention.
That Charlotte is a lot closer to Virginia than Tampa could be a factor as well. Details of Kaine’s trip are still in the works and his campaign does not yet know which days he’ll attend.
“In addition to maintaining an active campaign schedule, including his ongoing roundtable conversations with business owners, veterans, women, Latinos, and other Virginians, Gov. Kaine looks forward to joining the Virginia delegation at this year’s convention,” spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said.
Republicans will meet Aug. 27 to 30 to officially name Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney their nominee. Democrats will gather for their convention Sept. 3 through 6.
