Allen Rally Marred By Protests

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Updated: 2:26 PM Dec 27, 2006 Allen Rally Marred By Protests One man was tackled and thrown out of the Omni Hotel after aggressively approaching Senator George Allen during a campaign stop here in Charlottesville. Posted: 2:16 PM Oct 31, 2006 Reporter: Michael Gorsegner

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October 31, 2006

Exactly one week remains until Election Day and both candidates for Virginia's Senate seat are making a hard push for every last vote. Senator George Allen made a campaign stop at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville today but was greeted by anti-war protests outside the event and an aggressive protester inside.

After a 45 minute rally that featured speeches by Allen's wife and North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole, Allen was approached by a man and asked why he had spit in the face of his first wife. After Allen did not answer, the man became aggressive and Allen staffers and supporters tackled him to the ground and forcibly removed him from the hotel.

Shortly after the incident, a noticeably shaken George Allen addressed the media, brushing off the incident, saying things like this happen. Allen then addressed a CNN poll that shows him 4 points down to his Democratic Challenger Jim Webb.

"There are all sorts of polls, some have us up and others don't. All that matters is the one on Election Day. This last week of the campaign we are focusing on Virginians, those who pay taxes, work for a living and care for their families," said incumbent Senator George Allen.

Allen left Charlottesville and headed back to Richmond where he had another campaign stop. Meanwhile, Webb was on the campaign trail in Martinsville with former Governor Mark Warner.