After 2 Decades in Ascent, A Stunning Breakdown

Sen. George Allen, with wife Susan and daughter Brooke. Allen began the race with a 16-point lead and had been considered a shoo-in for reelection. (By Rich Lipski -- The Washington Post)

Now, Rozell said, "no one talks seriously about George Allen being presidential timber."

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) issued a statement yesterday calling Allen "the most effective Governor of the modern Virginia era." Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) praised him for efforts "to abolish parole, reform welfare, promote higher academic standards in our public schools; and bring new business, industry and jobs to Virginia."

But Richmond lobbyist Charlie Davis said Allen "lost his way" when he went to the Senate and failed to grasp the state's changing demographics and moderating politics, especially in population-rich Northern Virginia.

"Once he got inside the Beltway, he got absorbed and detached from the state," Davis said. "When he was governor and he was around the state capital, he was with real people every day who were not reluctant to share their feelings. You get to D.C., for some reason he did not realize the landscape here was changing dramatically."

Longtime Virginia Republicans say Allen also turned away from the insiders who had helped him succeed, bringing in a new team, led by campaign manager Dick Wadhams, who had little experience in Virginia.

It wasn't until September, after the scandals erupted, that Allen brought back his trusted Virginia hands.

G. Paul Nardo, Allen's chief speechwriter when he was governor, said he was sad to see his former boss lose: "I don't think you've heard the last of him."

But Democrats -- and even some of Allen's closest allies -- said yesterday that his defeat should serve as a political red flag that Virginia is no longer the conservative, Republican red state.

"The wrath of Northern Virginia can make Virginia purple," said Gerald E. Connolly (D), chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

At Allen's conciliatory concession speech, several supporters said it was unfortunate that voters had been unable to see more of the same humility from him during the hard-fought campaign.

"I know that on a personal level that was his tone, but how to translate that in the midst of a campaign, we have to learn that," said Brett Berlin, 56, of Alexandria.

Others said they expected, and hoped, that Allen would run again, for Senate in 2008 or governor in 2009. "By being as gracious as he was, he preserves those options," said Howard Lee, 57, of Fairfax County.

Allen also was joined during his concession speech by his daughter, Brooke, who clutched at her side the football Allen often has with him. The senator took the football from his daughter and tossed it to a supporter, who threw it back.

"Final toss. Done," said Allen after making the catch. "See y'all."