Allen says no intention to run again

SUFFOLK, Va. (AP/WAVY) - Republican George Allen says he's run his last political campaign.

The cowboy-booted namesake son of a legendary pro football coach who helped spawn the largest GOP resurgence since Reconstruction in Virginia with his election as governor in 1993 told media outlets that he's retiring.

After a crushing loss to Democrat Tim Kaine a week ago, Allen says he has "no intention of running for office again."

Allen was running for the Senate seat he fumbled away in 2006 in an upset loss to Democratic newcomer Jim Webb. Allen's use of the slur "macaca" to a Webb campaign aide of Indian descent was widely blamed for his downfall.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell voiced disappointment Tuesday at the report of Allen's exit from elective politics.

"George will go down in history as one of the most influential and successful governors Virginia has ever known," McDonnell said. "He abolished parole and made our communities safer. He strengthened academic standards and made our schools better. He reformed welfare and made our society stronger. And he oversaw economic expansion across the state that made Virginia an even better place to call home. He was equally successful in improving the lives of all Virginians during his service as a delegate, Congressman and Senator."