Allen Hires Thune Campaign Director
In a sign that US Senator George Allen Jr. (R-VA) is planning a 2008 White House run, he just hired Dick Wadhams to be his new Chief of Staff. Wadhams, who ran the campaign that just ousted Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), is viewed as one of today’s hottest GOP political strategists.
Interesting. Many folks in these parts (Northern Virginia) are excited about the prospect of Allen as a soft-around-the-edges conservative for 2008.
Update (1712): A couple of folks have noted Allen’s need to get re-elected in 2006. He spoke at a Heritage gathering recently at which I took part, and he is squarely focused on that race. As with Hillary Clinton, though, a 2006 Senate race will dovetail nicely with a 2008 presidential bid, as the organization and fundraising will be at full steam just as the primary run gets started in earnest.
I hope Allen does not overlook his (certainly) challenger in 2006 – Governor Warner.