George Allen's Potential Candidacy for the 2008 Presidential Election

As the 2006 midterm elections loom large in the minds of American politicos, the time to begin looking ahead at the 2008 presidential election is coming. While it may seem early to be discussing potential candidates, one only need to remember that hours after John Kerry’s concession speech in November 2004, CNN political analysts were already sizing up the field for 2008. Veteran Virginian politician George Allen has remained a consistent favorite among conservative Republicans seeking a true return to the politics of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. His name recognition, however, remains outside of the margins for many who aren’t part of the National Review set and he has not been an advocate for one issue in general in his two decades of public service. However, Allen has the laid back charm, experience, and party connections to make him a viable threat for the presidential nomination. More likely, he would make a strong vice presidential candidate because he is an able leader who may not have the political drive that would make his relationship with a Republican president contentious.