Despite Apology, Fallout Continues
For Virginia Senator’s Racial Jibe
RICHMOND, Va.
U.S. Sen. George Allen of Virginia earlier this month declined an award from the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund after an outcry over his selection for the honor.
Allen, a Republican seeking re-election this fall, decided to forgo the award after being told donors to the fund had threatened to withhold contributions if he received it.
“The foundation told the senator that they’ve been catching a lot of static from members and some of their donors, and before it spins into a week of controversy, we just decided to decline it,” said Allen’s Senate spokesman, John Reid.
Allen ascribed the reaction to political adversaries in an election year.
“I regret that there are those who would put their personal or political dislike of me ahead of the needs of deserving students, and I do not want to be the cause of any controversy which could in any way harm the efforts to help these young people,”
