Webb Treks to Region That Allen Knows Well

Yesterday, Allen appeared before hundreds of voters at a summit sponsored by the Family Research Council, which promotes traditional values. Allen spoke about stopping "activist judges," protecting "freedom from radical, maniacal terrorist organizations" and securing the U.S. border with Mexico.

"Count on me, as I have done in the past, to be a teammate, an ally, part of your extended family, as we work for our foundational values," Allen said.

Allen used similar arguments in 2000, when he unseated incumbent Charles S. Robb (D) by winning nearly two-thirds of the vote in rural Virginia.

During the spring, Democratic leaders in Washington endorsed Webb because they believed the former Republican would connect with rural voters, who tend to be white, culturally conservative, pro-military and less well educated than voters in Northern Virginia.

During two debates this week, Webb espoused a message of economic populism, arguing that the rich are getting richer while the middle class has struggled under President Bush's policies. On the campaign trail, Webb notes that he began working at age 12. He also rails against excessive corporate profits and calls for a hard line against what he calls unfair trade policies.

Yesterday, Allen said he's the only candidate who has a record of bringing jobs and better educational opportunities to poorer parts of the state.

"His record simply doesn't match up," Allen said of Webb.

Webb has also tried to stake a middle position on affirmative action. He says he wants to restrict affirmative action programs to African Americans, instead of all ethnic minorities, saying the current system amounts to "state-sponsored racism" toward whites. If the system isn't changed, he wants the programs opened up to poor whites.

Webb is also trying to stave off a charge that he is, as Bush and Allen say, "a cut and run" Democrat. Although he was drawn into the race over his opposition to the war, he has not called for an immediate troop pullout. But he wants U.S. forces to be repositioned gradually to other friendly Arab nations to get them out of harm's way.

Webb has sought to one-up Allen over the issue of guns as well. During a debate Monday, Allen defended a bill he sponsored to make it easier for gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines. Webb endorsed the proposal and then volunteered that he has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

"I've had guns since I was 8 years old. I was raised in a family where we hunted, so I think anyone who so chooses has the right to defend themselves with a firearm," Webb said.

U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, a Democrat who represents southwestern Virginia, said Webb is doing exactly what a Democrat needs to do to win over voters in his part of the state.