Friday, June 8, 2012

When did George Allen become a political candidate near the caliber of Tim Kaine?


A quick look at the latest Quinnipiac University poll numbers marginally favoring former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine over his U.S. Senate rival George Allen would make one believe that the latter is actually a serious political candidate. How this sad state of affairs came to be is unclear.

According to the sample of 1,282 registered voters, Tim Kaine is ahead of George Allen by a whole percentage point, 44 to 43 percent, respectively.[1] In the head-to-head for favorability, Tim Kaine increased his lead with 44 percent favorability to 41 percent for Allen.

But for a political candidate like Allen who clearly doesn’t have the public interest at the forefront of his mind when making political decisions[2], it’s a fair question to ask how Mr. Allen even comes close to the favorability ratings of former Democratic Governor Kaine? Like him or not, Tim Kaine clearly represents a wider swath of interests, including the best interests of the general public[3]. Mr. Allen, not so much.

Of course, some folks are so blinded by party loyalty or ideological tunnel vision that the George Allen’s of the country can do no wrong, even when they sell themselves and their policy positions to their friends in the special interest arena[4]. Tim Kaine has proven that he cares about every layer of society, by contrast.

Unless you’re a member of the fossil fuel industry or a multi-millionaire, voting for George Allen is at best ridiculous. You’re better off hitting yourself across the head with a baseball bat.

There is class warfare occurring and an infusion of mediocre politicians onto the political stage. A Tim Kaine victory will go much further in ending the former and reducing the latter.

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