VIRGINIA NEWS – GOP tensions rise in Virginia as former Governor Allen advises moving forward, in light of inappropriate photos

Laila Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer

Former Republican Governor George Allen of Virginia has asked voters to focus on “the issues that matter” rather than the rift between incumbent Governor Glenn Youngkin and John Reid, the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor. Allen, who served as the 67th governor of Virginia from January 1994 to January 1998, said that he believes the controversy over Youngkin’s call for Reid to exit the race is now winding down.  In an interview on Wednesday, Allen said, “I think this is getting resolved,” and “John is resolutely clear that he is staying in the race, and that he’s our nominee, and I’m supporting the whole Republican ticket.” Youngkin recently called on Reid to end his candidacy after inappropriate photos on a Tumblr account came to light on an account that resembled Reid’s Instagram.

Last week, Reid, the first openly gay man to run for statewide office in Virginia, posted a video response to the governor’s suggestion. Reid said he has nothing to do with the social media account and accused Youngkin’s team of extorting him.