Former Governor to Challenge Sen. Robb

Former Gov. George F. Allen, one of Virginia’s most popular political figures, announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2000 against two-term incumbent Charles S. Robb. Allen, 46, is a conservative Republican whose political star was rising when he left office earlier this year after four years as governor. His bid to unseat Robb, 61, a Democrat, is expected to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested congressional races. A spokesman for Robb said he is planning to announce his plans for reelection. Allen’s name was well known in Virginia before he became governor. His father, the late George Allen, was a popular coach of the NFL Washington Redskins in the 1970s.