• Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle , Tuesday, October 3, 2006 11:45 AM

Senator George Allen is trying to steer his campaign away from accusations of racial insensitivity with a two-minute statewide TV ad stressing the need to focus on "the real issues." The Virginia Republican, who has been caught on tape using ethnic slurs, bought air time in every television market just before prime time in an effort to save his political career. The ad acknowledges that he has brought on some of his own problems, but he says "the negative personal attacks and baseless allegations have also pulled us away from what you expect and deserve." With his wife at his side, coupled with a Washington Redskins helmet and a portrait of his late namesake father and football coach behind them, Allen recounts events of his term as governor. Allen, once considered a shoe-in for reelection and a possible 2008 presidential contender, is neck-and-neck with Democrat James Webb in the race for the seat.

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