Republican incumbent Senator George Allen of Virginia received some help from an unexpected source in his reelection campaign against Democrat Jim Webb in the form of a visit from his potential rival for the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, Arizona Senator John McCain.
Tim Craig and Michael D. Shear of the Washington Post report:
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) came to the heart of Virginia's military community Wednesday to boost the fortunes of Sen. George Allen (R), hours after Democratic candidate James Webb issued his harshest critique to date of how Republicans have handled Iraq and the fight against terrorism.
The dueling events highlighted the central themes of Virginia's Senate race -- Iraq, terror and foreign policy -- while focusing on the state's large contingent of veterans, who make up about 10 percent of eligible voters.McCain's endorsement at a rally in Norfolk was designed to showcase Allen's support for the military and veterans. But the event was partly overshadowed by continuing criticism over comments Allen made last week to a Webb volunteer of Indian descent that many have said were demeaning and insensitive.
Webb commented about the controversy for the first time Wednesday, saying that he thinks Allen "knew what he was saying" when he addressed S.R. Sidarth, a 20-year-old from Fairfax County, as "Macaca" at a GOP rally Friday. The term, which refers to a genus of monkey, is an ethnic slur in some cultures.
Read the rest at the link above.
McCain's visit may also help Republican incumbent Rep. Thelma Drake's reelection chances against Democratic challenger Phil Kellam in Virginia's 2nd District. We previously reported on that race on Sunday.
We have also been reporting the full story of Allen's latest problem.
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2006 Senate Race, McCain, Virginia
