Allen Gives GOP Reason To Dry Tears

For Allen, a former governor, the stakes are high as he prepares to begin his 2006 reelection bid and a possible run for the presidency.

Party stalwarts said after Allen's speech that they are confident that although Democrats have succeeded in recent statewide elections, the senator will make a strong showing next November.

"He's going to make a statement with this race," said G. Paul Nardo, a former Allen speechwriter who is now chief aide to House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). "He's going to want to show that Virginia is a strong Republican state and use that for any plans he has for running for national office."

Political observers said that although Allen has a comfortable hold on his Senate seat, a strong bid by a Democrat could undermine his bid for the presidency.

"His longtime protege [Kilgore] was defeated for governor," said Larry J. Sabato, a professor of political science at the University of Virginia. "Does that mean that Allen's Senate seat is in jeopardy? Not particularly. But it's weakened him."

Democratic activists are excited that last month's results might give them momentum going into the 2006 campaign.

"Tim's victory was a blow to conventional wisdom in Virginia. . . . Tim showed that there's not only one way to win," said Kevin Griffis, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Virginia. "It's a good environment for Democrats right now. . . . Washington is a mess. We're going to have a good, credible candidate."

So far, however, Democrats have struggled to find anyone up to the task of challenging Allen.

Warner, the popular Democratic governor who leaves office in January, bowed out of contention in August, but he remains a potential candidate for president. Former state lieutenant governor Donald S. Beyer's name was floated early this year, but at the time he said he was not interested.

"Warner and Kaine are looking. Both of them will be held responsible if Allen does not get a first-rate challenge," Sabato said. "It's in their interest to do so. And they know it. They want Allen to spend it all. But the key is getting a plausible challenger."