Posted on 03/12/2006 11:02:47 AM PST by RWR8189
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The historic Peabody Hotel's grand ballroom felt more like a locker-room Saturday morning as the Southern Republican Leadership Conference kicked off its second day. But was the game plan just for 2006?
As the morning's first speaker, Sen. George Allen woke up the slightly sleepy GOP crowd with a speech quite familiar to Virginians who have watched him win races for the House, the governorship, and, most recently, the Senate over the last 20 years.
He harkened the words of his heroes: Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson, and his dad, the late football coach George Allen, Sr. He called the audience his "teammates" and delivered big-applause lines against taxes, federal bureaucracy, and amnesty for illegal aliens.
Dick Wadhams, Allen's chief of staff, said the speech was "as good as I've ever seen him," noting that Allen's remarks were pretty standard stump fare for him.
Allen got standing ovations before and after his roughly 15-minute speech, and then he was the one standing for the next hour and half. A couple of television interviews from the back of the room -- with potential 2008 rival Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas speaking on the stage behind him from across the room no less -- were followed by a growing pack around Allen in the hallway outside the room.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
I dont think allen cared enough to win this one. He knew frist was bussing in hundreds of volunteers and likely didnt care to do so himself. Romney too flew in college kids which is what gave him the 2nd place finish. That 2nd place finish is whats giving him 'momentum' as of now so for him it was a worthwhile investment, whereas if allen got 2nd place it woudlnt have been that big of a deal.
As much as I want to see George Allen in the White House, Virginia Republicans are focused on returning him to the Senate this year. While I don't think the Senator will have any reelection trouble, he does face the potential of a serious challenge.
Bussing supporters in for a straw poll about 2008 would have sent the wrong message and would have given the RATS ammunition.
Doug Wilder got untold grief for flying around the country when he was Governor. So did Jim Gilmore.
It was on his watch that Virginia became a "shall issue" state. Meaning that individuals that are not legally prohibited from carrying a weapon shall be issued a concealed weapons permit without having to justify the request to any state or local administrator.
Also "Project Exile" became law in Richmond under Allen's governance. Simply stated, if you are legally prohibited from carrying (or owning) a gun and are caught with one, you will do a minimum of 5yrs in a federal prison guaranteed. The program was so successful it became law statewide under his successor, Jim Gilmore.
The issue concerning his vote against the lawsuit protection act in 2004 was because Diane Feinstein poison pilled it with an "Assault Weapon" ban extension. He voted in favor of the 2nd amendment when he voted against it.
Of all those you listed, I would vote for Barbour.
Corin. This looks like a draw play. The fake is toward the senatorial position, but the real target may be the presidency. Allen was a quarterback in HS (in fact I believe that I may have played against him). I hope that he can read the defense well enough to formulate the proper offense.
They are of vital importance to the social conservatives among us. We believe these issues vitally impact the health and cohesiveness of the traditional family--and that impacts ever single hour of every day. I flat out could not and will not support any candidate who isn't on the right side of these two issues.
But I am persuaded that Romney is a true social conservative on these issues, so I will have no problem supporting him.
I also believe that he will be a pro-second amendment president notwithstanding a few comments he made 12 years ago in Massachusetts.
I have spoken with several persons who know Romney quite well. They describe him as being possibly the shrewdest most pro-business, pro-free market, low-tax presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan. Far better and more savvy than Allen.
I remember being at a private home rally for Allen in the early 90's, when he was running for Governor of Virginia....it was an exciting and electric occasion. He is great at speeches.
I think he could uses some coaching to come across better on TV.
Not to mention, Allen graduated from my private christian highschool as well!
He also spoke at our fund-raising event this past year. THUMBS UP.
Great man - from the inside out.
I think this is what we should be looking for.
Like what I have seen of Allen so far, in fact like him a lot.
It sounds dumber every time you post it. Thanks for the giggles.
Whattaya mean he never played football? The guy grew up playing and even started at QB for my alma mater (UVA) for two years. Of course, that was back when the Wahoos sucked eggs, but you can't say he never played.
George Allen will be our next POTUS, especially compared to that list of candidates you named. Mike Pence will be his Veep.
Yep...he's the man to beat.
Thanks for that clarification, p8riot.
1. None
2. Gingrich
3.Tancredo
4. McCain
5.Allen
6.Brownback
7.Huckabee
8.Romney
The new George Allen logo.
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