George Allen
PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO

BY LISA PROVENCE

Charlottesville hasn't been able to claim a U.S. president in about 200 years. If you were to pick the Virginian with local ties most likely to take a shot at occupying the White House today, it would have to be cowboy boot-wearing former Virginia governor and current senator George Allen, who first won fame when elected in 1982 to represent Albemarle and Nelson counties in the General Assembly.

Now, with a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate after last week's elections, the junior senator from Virginia is poised to emerge on the national scene. He's running for chair of the prestigious National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), a position UVA political analyst Larry Sabato says is the perfect spot from which to broaden his base if he decides to run for president because there he'll meet big contributors from all over the country.

Since his election to the Senate in 2000, the "fast-rising" Allen has impressed colleagues with his relentless fundraising-- $3 million in the past two years, according to the Washington Post.

Allen, son of former Washington Redskins coach and Hall of Famer George H. Allen, came to Charlottesville to attend UVA and stayed on to open a law practice. He still owns the historic building on East Jefferson Street that housed his practice and from which he announces his candidacy each time he runs for office.

Will he be on the steps in 2008, announcing a run for President?

Age: 50

What brought you here on election day? Celebration of the 20th anniversary of my first election to the Virginia House of Delegates

Favorite hangout? Big Jim's BBQ

Most overrated virtue? Patience

What would people be surprised to know about you? Nothing

What accomplishment are you proudest of? Coming from over 31 points behind to be elected as Virginia's 67th governor

What do people find most annoying about you? I never throw anything away.

Whom do you admire? Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan

Favorite book? Winning Strategies by George H. Allen, my father

What subject causes you to rant? Officious nannies who want to reform other people's habits and propose laws that inhibit individuals from pursuing freedom and opportunity

What thrills you about life in the 21st century? Advances in technology

What creeps you out about life in the 21st century? Terrorist threats

What do you drive? Dodge Durango

What's in your car CD player right now? Alan Jackson

What's your next journey? NRSC chairman

What's the most trouble you've ever gotten in? No comment

What do you regret? The previous unmentioned

Favorite comfort food? Popcorn-- buttered and salty, of course

What's always in your refrigerator? Milk, apples

Must-see TV? Crossfire and Raiders football games

Favorite cartoon? Bugs Bunny. I watch it with my son, Forrest.

Describe a perfect day. Light rain at night, 50 degrees; light wind and 75 degrees during the day.

Walter Mitty fantasy? This would be a fantasy if you could play God for a day.

Who'd play you in the movie? Tom Selleck

Most embarrassing moment? [Noticeably blank]

Best advice you ever got? "Never become discouraged." "Be yourself." "Keeping fighting on!"-- all from my father and mother.

Favorite bumper sticker? "Question Authority," "Reagan"

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