Sure, here's my answer without having to look things up.
I first met him over 20 years ago when he was in the House of Delegates. Didn't hear much more about him until he ran for Congress. I was impressed. I should also tell you that some of my friends were running his campaign. That continued.
When he ran for Governor, he started at a huge 30 pt. deficit. He focused on the issues and turned around to beat Mary Sue Terrier by 19 pts.
He ran that race for the Governorship on four key issues: The abolition of parole, educational standards, welfare reform and tax cuts. The day he walked into office his staff had a four year plan on exactly how they were going to accomplish each of those.
Contrast that with Jim Gilmore who ran on the "No Car Tax" pledge with no clue as to how he would implement it.
Allen managed to fulfill 3 out of 4 campaign promises. The RAT controlled General Assembly denied him the tax increase. But it certainly wasn't because Allen didn't try.
He also championed Virginia's parental notification law, and refused to sign it until his fourth year in office when the General Assembly finally got it right.
From working with him and for him, and closely with many of his most trusted associates, I know that he is a many of principle, a man of integrity.
I know for a fact that as Governor he read and understood every piece of legislation and correspondence that came across his desk.
He's a thinker and he loves the process of the debate. That's why some FReepers think they can play the "gotcha" game with him. He thinks things through and has a reason for each of his action. It would betray a confidence to give you some specifics, but I have several examples where he put principle over politics. That's just who he is.
He is the same in private as in public. He gets criticized for assuming the good ol' boy cowboy persona. It's not an act. It's genuine.
He served Virginia well as Delegate, Congressman, Governor (the best in at least the last 50 years in Virginia, if not longer, and now as Senator.
Those are just a few reasons.
I was under the impression he managed to eventually get some sort of tax cuts through?
If there was ever a time we needed someone as if not more conservative than W, it'll be in 2008. The Dems and Lindsay Graham types will want a "kinder, gentler" WOT. The media and the Dems will try to cast this as "Bush's war," and that we can "make a fresh start" without all the "abuses" and blah blah blah.
Which is PRECISELY what Al Qaeda and the rest are waiting for. Just as they were waiting for Kerry to get in.
Two years is NOTHING for terrorists to wait; they are in this for the long haul. They are methodical and plan long-range. Which is why one thing in this article I liked is that Allen is all for W's WOT moves.
I'll look at your answers again and add other info as I find it. Thanks for the responses, they're much appreciated, as I don't know much about Allen.
(And now that I've got what I was looking for, all is forgiven. ;)
Allen is a candidate America can trust to be exactly the same person as President as he was as a nominee.
He's very much like Dubya in that regard (but more conservative).
I can tell when I see him speak that he's a real man of principle, and I like his character.
But above all else I will trust Allen with the Presidency, and it appears I will always harbor doubts about everyone else.