Macaca Factor

The race between Jim Webb and incumbent Virginia Senator George Allen has tightened up following Allen's heartfelt "macaca" insult aimed at one of Webb's campaign volunteers.

A Rasmussen poll has the race at 47% for Allen to 42% for Webb, with the rest undecided. While the Curmudgeon expects the poll numbers to fluctuate up and down in the coming weeks, this poll clearly shows that Allen is vulnerable.

We expect that Webb will steadily chip away at Allen's softer support as voters in the middle get to know Webb better as the campaign heats up after Labor Day.

The heavier damage, for Allen, may be in the crowded field of Republicans running for President. Allen has been in damage control mode, but it doesn't take much to eliminate someone from contention such a large field.

We hope Allen will reveal some more of his core inner convictions before its all over.