WP: Virginia Senate debate: 'Virginia Values' vs. 'Fresh Eyes'

[DeepModem Mom]

It's 'Virginia Values' vs. 'Fresh Eyes'
Incumbent, Newcomer Hone Platforms Around Iraq, Economy -- and Reagan
By Tim Craig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 23, 2006; Page C11


U.S. Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), left, pressed rival James Webb for details on certain issues; Webb took aim at Allen's ties to President Bush. (By Steve Helber -- Associated Press)

HOT SPRINGS, Va., July 22 -- Sen. George Allen and his Democratic challenger, James Webb, faced each other Saturday in the first debate of the Virginia general election campaign, clashing over the war in Iraq but finding common ground in their affection for former president Ronald Reagan.

Webb, wearing the combat boots that have come to define the former Marine's nontraditional campaign, and Allen, dressed in the cowboy boots that are part of his political persona, laid out the themes they plan to highlight in the fall campaign.

"I would like to ask the people of Virginia, 'Is the country better off than it was six years ago' " when Allen was elected to the Senate? Webb asked. "Are we more respected around the world? Is our economy truly fairer to all Americans? Is your job secure? . . . I would like to offer a fresh set of eyes to the problems that face us."

Allen portrayed himself as a leader interested in fighting terrorism, promoting "Virginia values" and cutting taxes. He also made clear his reluctance to criticize President Bush, who polls show is declining in popularity in Virginia....

***

Webb was an early and outspoken critic of Bush's decision to invade Iraq....Allen, a former governor who is considering a run for president in 2008, backed the decision to go to war. "9/11 changed everything," Allen said. "We were hit here in Virginia, at the Pentagon. They wanted to hit Washington, D.C....Both candidates said they would like to see U.S. troops leave Iraq. But neither offered a timetable....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/22/AR2006072200842.html

[skipos]

1. "cowboy boots that are part of his political persona"

What is that persona anyway? Pretend cowboy?

[Ringo84]

2. Allen sucks

I'm a Virginian. Have been for twenty-one of my twenty-two years. What, exactly, are 'Virginia values'? Whatever pops into Allen's RW mind to appease his RW voters (apologies to certain friends of mine who claimed that Allen was our best governor)? Please.

I admit that I'm not that well-informed about state politics (I follow national politics and almost ignore state politics), but Webb sounds much better than Allen.
Ringo