George Allen Speaks at Fundraiser for Local Supervisors

Republican fans crammed into the back room of last night to support Braddock District Supervisor John Cook and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity in their re-election campaigns.

Former Virginia governor George Allen was a featured speaker at the event, along with his wife Susan.

“These two gentleman are friends of the taxpayers,” Allen said.

He specifically addressed the recent decision not to purchase a in Lorton, praising Herrity and Cook for their successful effort to stop the purchase.

“I’m really proud of both of you,” Allen said. “You were in a minority but you won.”

Herrity mentioned the incinerator issue at the event as well.

“John’s been an incredible ally on the Board of Supervisors,” Herrity said. “We need more friends. If it weren’t for John and Michael [Frey, the Republican Sully District Supervisor], we’d be the proud owners of an incinerator.”

Herrity said the Board still has more work to do in planning the next year’s budget.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to start embarrassing them into a lower tax rate,” Herrity said.

Allen also spoke of the many elections ahead for Virginia this year both at the county and the state level.

“When Fairfax County starts voting in common sense conservatives, when you get a guy named Spike as the chairman of the Board of Supervisors….Glory Days will be ahead,” Allen concluded his speech, inspiring laughter from candidate Spike Williams while making a joking reference to the restaurant’s nostalgic name.

Reference was also made at the event to yesterday’s declaration of former governor and current Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine that he would be running for the Democratic nomination for Senator Jim Webb’s seat in 2012 as well. Allen announced plans to run for the Republican nomination for his former seat in January.

“I got involved to run myself - not to run against anyone - but to make sure that the voice of the people of Virginia is represented,” Allen said. “I think it’s very important to run on ideas that motivate me.”

Allen also said he was not surprised by Kaine's decision to run.

"I know Tim," Allen said. "We have different philosophies and different points of views. I hope we can have a civilized debate."

Cook was encouraged by the turnout at the Tuesday night event.

“It shows a lot of energy,” Cook said. “People are getting hope again that they can have a role in government.”

Herrity said the Burke Glory Days was chosen for its location right on the border of the Braddock and Springfield District, as well as its family friendly atmosphere. He said jokingly that his son actually wanted to come to this event, as Glory Days is his favorite restaurant, but was unable to because of work.

Plenty of other Republican candidates were at the event as well, including Spike Williams, Elizabeth Schultz, running for the Springfield seat on the School Board, and 37th district Virginia senate candidate Jason Flanary.