Former Virginia Governor George Allen came to Botetourt County early the morning of Oct. 10th to campaign for the US  Senate. He was met with cheers at the Blue Ridge Library community room. 17th district Delegate Chris Head introduced Allen.

Allen is among a handful of candidates for state wide office  who have come to Botetourt in the past ten years on the campaign trail. Democratic Senate opponent Tim Kaine came while he made a winning bid for governor and Bob McDonnell also came to Botetourt and  Blue Ridge Vineyard during his successful run for governor, too.

Allen championed the Republican causes this morning saying, “I hope to be the change vote that takes us into the  Senate majority.  Wouldn’t it be great to have a Virginian change the leadership there!” He also promised, ” If I am elected on my first day in the Senate I will introduce legislation that will allow Virginia to drill coastal and off shore oil.” He also championed getting America back to the land of opportunity particularly for young people who graduate from college and almost one third of them return home to live with parents.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte  was also on hand in his  bid for 6th District Congressman. Goodlatte spoke of  getting so many bills passed in the House and have them stalled in the Senate under the leadership of Harry Reid. “We need George Allen in the US Senate,” said Goodlatte. The crowd cheered.

Before he left, Allen sat down and read a “Carl the Rottweiller” book to mostly home schooled children who were available in the morning to be there for his campaign stop in the library. He and Goodlatte had a moment for a photo op with the young folks.