Hundreds of GOP faithful spent last weekend making phones

Hundreds of GOP faithful spent last weekend making phones calls reminding people; to vote and canvassing county neighborhoods passing out campaign brochures and putting up signs.

Political sociologist Aliza Kolker of George Mason University said the "Silicon Dominion's" red-hot economy might have been another factor in the GOP victory here. -

"Traditionally, thd Republicans seem to represent the haves and the Democrats the have-nots," Kolker said, "... when times are good, people tend to vote Republican."

mother-in-law Lady Bird Johnson. “The causes we have fought for together have meant a great deal to me.”

Virginia’s Senate race was seen as a marquee duel between two former Virginia governors with very dissimilar styles and views.

Allen, 48, son of the late Washington Redskins coach of the same name, is seen as an affable, aggressive politician who laid the groundwork for the GOP’s resurgence over the past decade.

During his term as governor in the early 1990s, Allen revamped the state’s parole and welfare systems and instituted stiff education standards.

Robb, 61, whose father-inlaw was former President Lyndon B. Johnson, was viewed as the poster-boy for the New Democrats, but, because of his modest, laidback approach, never assumed the leadership role that many hoped he would.

Called the “invisible Senator” by critics, Robb has worked behind the scenes on issues like transportation and school security officers.

As expected, Allen outspent Robb, but the senator’s campaigning was somewhat limited because of continued wrangling in Congress over several budget bills.

Allen and Robb crisscrossed the state in the final days of the campaign, trying to shore up their base voters.

Many voters commented on the rather negative tone of campaign ads during the final weeks.

Tim Murtaugh, spokesman for the Allen campaign, said most of the mud-slinging came from the Democrats.