Ex-Virginia governors bid for election to U.S. Senate

RICHMOND

Speaking to business owners Tuesday, two former governors vying for the U.S. Senate cast themselves as ideally suited to help improve the nation's wobbly economy based on their experiences.

Republican George Allen and Democrat Timothy M. Kaine recited familiar themes in remarks at a breakfast hosted by groups representing various business interests, flashing back to their public records rather than offering a wealth of details about the approaches they'd take in office.

Kaine and Allen are running for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, who isn't seeking re-election. Each has competition within his party,but both are widely viewed as the front-runners for nominations that will be decided in a June 12 primary.

Allen contrasted his efforts to reduce state spending as governor in the mid-1990s with the current fiscal management in Washington. He criticized the growing national debt under President Barack Obama and the credit downgrade on his watch.

Citing his economic blueprint, Allen called for reducing business taxes, a plan he said would create 500,000 jobs a year. He also blasted the administration for decisions he characterized as blocking access to oil and natural resources, and mandates in the federal health care overhaul he said are stymieing business growth.

To spark America's comeback, Allen called for reducing tax burdens, relaxing regulations and new energy policies.

Kaine touted his work to balance Virginia's budget - a legal requirement in the state - while fording turbulent economic times that required $5 billion in cuts during his tenure as evidence of his ability to go to Washington and find economic solutions.

The Democrat touted Virginia's ranking as a top business state, his recruitment of companies and his effort to eliminate the estate tax to emphasize his focus on fiscal issues.

Kaine cast himself as a leader willing to find compromise and closed with an optimistic note about the slow economic recovery.

"I know something about history and I know that we've been through tougher times than this and we've come out very strong," he said. "And there's no reason to believe that we can't again."

It was the first joint speaking appearance by the two since they debated in December, an event memorable for the economic blame each assigned to his opponent's party and for an exchange about how birth control works.

They each attended a Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce event in Virginia Beach after the debate, but neither addressed the audience.