George Allen Will NOT Run for Governor

By: Lowell
Published On: 1/8/2008 12:11:11 PM

Wow, this is surprising.  I had heard from several people that they thought Allen would definitely run for Virginia governor in 2009.   Apparently, not.  "Former Virginia Gov. George Allen will not be a candidate for the same office next year, he announced Tuesday in a statement to The Associated Press."

Thoughts?

P.S.  Does this mean we can retire "macaca" once and for all? :)

P.P.S.  Here is his statement:

We will always fondly recall our time in the Governor's Mansion as an unparalleled honor and a period of historic initiatives and transformational accomplishments for Virginians. Yet, as we look forward, we are excited about other significant ways we can serve and contribute outside of elected office. Therefore, I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009.

The full statement is on the "flip," courtesy of the Washington Post Virginia politics blog.

"Throughout 2007, and increasingly in recent months, Susan and I have heard from many wonderful Virginians who have encouraged us to seek the governorship in 2009 and have generously offered their help. We are deeply thankful for those expressions of support. Having learned from past experiences, to allow such speculation to linger would be unwise and unfair when an honest statement of intentions is the right way to conduct one's life.

"Susan and I have prayerfully and deliberately considered how we can best serve Virginians and advance our ideals at this stage in the life of our family. We will always fondly recall our time in the Governor's Mansion as an unparalleled honor and a period of historic initiatives and transformational accomplishments for Virginians. Yet, as we look forward, we are excited about other significant ways we can serve and contribute outside of elected office. Therefore, I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009.

"Susan and I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported and encouraged us. I remain intensely interested in the future of our Commonwealth, and will continue to advocate for ideas, issues, solutions and candidates that I believe are essential for us to effectively compete and succeed. Republican leadership in our State has initiated far-reaching positive changes and we have joined with forward-thinking people from across party lines to make Virginia a better place to live, work, learn and raise a family. I am pleased to have been able to be a part of that progress.

"In the future, I will continue to advance key goals that I believe are essential for us to be a land of opportunity for all: quality education with accountability; affordable, reliable American energy; safe and secure communities; embracing the advances in innovation for competitiveness, economic development and job creation. And, I remain standing strong, championing the cause of freedom so that someday all the people of the world may be blessed as we are to live in a country that respects freedom of religion and expression, with their God-given rights protected under the rule of law."

Comments



Sounds like he's making too much money as a lobbyist (The Grey Havens - 1/8/2008 12:19:30 PM)
But what happens in 2009?

Deeds v Moran  VV  McDonnell v Bolling

I just don't know how that turns out.



Don't forget Gilmore (Eric - 1/8/2008 12:31:22 PM)
After he gets crushed by Warner this year he'll be looking for a job.


good news for Moran (goVAdems - 1/8/2008 1:00:08 PM)
From the numbers we were looking at the other day, Deeds whole electability argument was aimed at Allen. His argument was Allen will run strong in the 9th, 6th, rural areas, and Deeds has to be the nominee to combat that.

NOW, with Allen out, it means we need someone who can compete with McDonnell in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. I wonder if Moran can do it.



I still wonder if he shouldn't have run for pres anyway. (Rob - 1/8/2008 12:22:30 PM)
His loss was a big deal, but I think he could've rallied with a good enough excuse that would work for his base ("the liberal media was out to get me!") and he could've succeeded against the current sorry lot of GOP contenders.


Nope, we mugged him, remember? (True Blue - 1/8/2008 1:49:06 PM)
George Allen had about $15 million to play with in 2006.  He was supposed to spend about $7 million getting re-elected, give away about $1 million to Republicans in close races in order to build a national network, and then take $7 million to jump start his presidential run.

We took every last penny he had, drained him, and then beat him by a very narrow margin.

Donors wouldn't touch Allen '08 with a 10 foot pole after his "Macaca"-fueled flameout.



Maybe not right away .... (Rob - 1/8/2008 3:07:22 PM)
.... but after the lackluster performance of the GOP field, perhaps they would've down the road.


He was the only hope GOP . . . (AnOrangeDem - 1/8/2008 1:58:20 PM)
. . . had to revive their sagging fortunes in the state. Glad we're rid of his noose-loving self, at least for now.

McDonnell has never struck the same fear in me as he does in some Democrats. At the same point in the prior guv race, Kilgore always seemed like a much more formidable candidate and we know how it turned out for him.

 



Maybe he thinks someone will tap him for VP (Barbara - 1/8/2008 2:09:33 PM)
Or pick him as the new coach of the Redskins.  He's nutty enough to believe either one is possible.


AG Bob on Allen's Announcement (elevandoski - 1/8/2008 6:34:27 PM)
"This morning, I had a lengthy phone conversation with my longstanding good friend, Governor George Allen. In that conversation he relayed to me his decision not to run for Governor in 2009.

In my opinion, George Allen, was the most visionary reform Governor of the last 50 years. Remarkably, he accomplished blah, blah, blah.  Blah, blah, blah, and blah. Now, a decade after his term ended, the fruits of his labor continue to better the people of our Commonwealth. Blah, blah, blah.  George Allen revolutionized Virginia's government. Blah, blah. His bold and principled leadership and great enthusiasm for good government have left an indelible imprint on the Commonwealth.

George Allen has given over 25 years of exemplary public service, while raising 3 children. I know the decision not to run was a difficult decision for George and Susan to make. I know they talked it over, and I know they prayed over it. At the conclusion of this process they determined that this was not the right step to take at this time. George Allen may not be running for Governor, but he has much more to contribute to the legacy of freedom and democracy in Virginia and America. I know George knows this, but I will never hesitate to pick up the phone and call him when it comes to the important policy matters facing Virginia, because his great strength is his passion for ideas and innovations that make people's lives better. Conservatives and entrepreneurs everywhere will always seek out George Allen for his insights and advice.

I respect George Allen's decision, and wish he, Susan, Tyler, Forrest, and Brooke the very best in 2008."

Bwaaaa!!!



All together now.... (Lowell - 1/8/2008 6:36:48 PM)
BARF!!!!


If only (spotter - 1/8/2008 7:39:56 PM)
If only George and Susan had prayed over whether to call people racial slurs.

Forrest and Brooke???!!!  How very Hoo.  



Poor George (tvhost - 1/8/2008 11:37:42 PM)
It could be he ran out of footballs to take to all the fundraising events for to start another campaign.  I know I was at an event during the 2007 elections and after he finished talking he asked if anyone had a football...I was thinking what an idiot... What was he going to do with it.. Now that Joe Gibbs is gone from the Redskins, maybe he can get a job with them


Why did Allen announce this now? (Lowell - 1/9/2008 8:44:52 AM)
My guess is that, with Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds effectively running on the Democratic side, Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell were ready to start raising money.  The problem is, as long as Allen was a possibility, donors were probably holding onto their wallets. Seems that Bolling and McDonnell, plus the RPV, would have been pressing Allen hard to announce a decision quickly, so the Republicans didn't fall too far behind the Democrats...