Heckler Mike Stark is removed from a
George Allen campaign meeting.
Photo: Robert A Martin/APThe Senate race in Virginia is now extremely close, with the Democratic candidate, James Webb, novelist and former navy secretary, mounting a surprisingly strong challenge to the Republican, George Allen.
Over the summer, Mr Allen enjoyed a comfortable lead, but Mr Webb has edged ahead with only just a few days to go. The race has been as mesmerising - or unedifying - as a mud-wrestling contest, depending on your take on politics.
The Allen camp has tried to soil Mr Webb's character by pointing out sex scenes from his novels. This week, some of the senator's security men ejected a heckler, who has been a regular thorn in the Allen campaign from an event after putting him in a headlock (watch it here). Opponents then poured derision on the senator.
Mischief making anti-Allen bloggers have been agitating for the release of the records from Mr Allen's divorce from his first wife, Anne, on the grounds that they will reveal an allegation that he ungallantly spat on her.
Voters may tell pollsters that they are sick of negative tactics but Newsblog wonders whether they have a sneaky enjoyment of the shenanigans that occur during political campaigns. Otherwise politics would be so boring. If you are from Virginia, perhaps you could tell us whether you consider such tactics a turnoff or whether you find them as entertaining as some outsiders do.
Too bad the show has to end next Tuesday.
