For Release: November 9, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell
on Allen Concession
“For 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve in elected office, first as a delegate, now as Attorney General. I have known great leaders, and witnessed tremendous accomplishments. But I have never worked with anyone with the vision, commitment to principle, and the tenacity to get results for the citizens that I have witnessed in George Allen. George Allen established a legacy of excellence, and enacted policy reforms that continue to benefit our entire Commonwealth.
As the man who was the most effective Governor of the modern Virginia era, his reforms of welfare, the criminal justice system, and education produced results that we can see all across the Commonwealth. His common sense economic policies and aggressive pursuit of new industry for the Commonwealth created over 300,000 new jobs and helped launch the “Silicon Dominion” high-tech explosion that has so greatly benefited Northern Virginia.
As a United States Senator, George Allen understood the need to keep America strong at home and abroad. His determined advocacy for military veterans, his efforts to keep the Internet tax-free, and his many efforts to expand the competitiveness of our state and nation in a global economy contributed to a better Virginia and a stronger America.
Today, my fondest thoughts are with my good friends George and Susan Allen, and the entire Allen family. George Allen has dedicated a quarter of a century of his life to public service, and Virginia is better because of it. Today’s announcement is an act of honor, character, and putting the needs of his beloved Virginia first, attributes that have defined George Allen throughout his public career.
One of the great attributes of Virginia is our ability to leave elections behind us, and have an orderly and democratic transition of power. In doing so people of different political parties and philosophies can work together to accomplish great things for the people of the Commonwealth. I witnessed this first hand in my election last year. To Senator-elect James Webb, I offer my congratulations, and pledge to work with him in the years ahead as we continue to build a safer and stronger Virginia.”
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