RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Shocking that the last election in VA was even as close as it was. . .this redneck has no shot on the national stage. . .but illiterate counties outside of Northern VA. will eventually sustain this creep's career. . .

One of the most significant developments for the Republican Party in 2006 was the fall of George Allen. As recently as six months ago, Allen was seen as the heir apparent to George W. Bush. Politically he was positioning himself very well to take the Republican nomination in 2008. He was a moderate conservative from Virginia, a state which is becoming a swing state. He had a long history in politics there, which included a stint as governor. As head as the National Republican Senate Committee, Allen picked up a lot of support from party members throughout the country while helping the party secure a four seat gain in the 2004 Senate elections. He was definitely on the rise. But then the unexpected happened: what was supposed to be a walk of a re-election campaign for his own Senate seat because a tough race which he eventually lost. The story of his fall is a case of political ineptitude at the highest level. Much of it was perpetuated because he failed to manage the media coverage of allegations that he was a racist competently. Incredible how people can self-destruct. In Allen's case, it was almost tragic, because the GOP presidential nomination was almost his. Donors and grassroots operators were already falling behind him for a potential run for President. His loss has left a bit of a wake within the contest for the Republican nomination, at least in the respect that there is no real "consensus" candidate as of yet to get the nomination. And there might not be none for some time, as significant divisions within the party are becoming apparent and the grassroots arent backing any one candidate.