June 12, 2012 - 7:57 PM
RICHMOND, Va. - George Allen brushed aside three conservative Republican rivals in the Virginia primary, setting up a November battle to regain the U.S. Senate seat he lost in 2006.
Early returns Tuesday showed Allen had nearly 65 per cent of the vote. Bob Marshall, a state legislator and hero of religious conservatives, had 5 per cent. Tea party leader Jamie Radtke had 25 per cent, and Chesapeake minister E.W. Jackson had 4 per cent.
Allen's victory sets up a November clash with another former Virginia governor, Tim Kaine, in a campaign closely tied to the presidential race in a battleground state both parties consider vital for victory.
Six years ago, Allen had been heavily favoured for re-election and was considered a possible Republican presidential hopeful until his chaotic, gaffe-strewn campaign against Democrat Jim Webb self-destructed.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012