Politics & Government

Political Season's Greetings

Virginia Senate candidates send holiday cheer, family photos

On Friday, the campaigns of former Gov.  (R) (also a former U.S. senator), and former Gov. (D), who are running against each other for the U.S. Senate, sent holiday greetings to supporters.

Holiday cards, messages and photos from politicians—especially those running for office—tend to get scrutinized more often than the average greeting. The official White House holiday card, which was started in 1953 with President Eisenhower, has made news this year, after it was attacked by Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential nominee because it was bereft of family or a holiday tree, and only showed the family dog, Bo. Palin told Fox News that she found it "odd" that the card emphasizes the dog instead of traditions like "family, faith and freedom."

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, contender for the GOP presidential nomination and wife Callista can be seen this week in a holiday video, which is also getting talked about. Even though the first-in-the-nation caucus is Jan. 3, the two skipped Iowa last weekend to sign books at Mount Vernon and play in a concert in Fairfax. The holiday video debuted in Iowa Friday. The Gingriches, who live in McLean, are expected to spend the Christmas weekend at home, according to news reports; Callista will reportedly sing with the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The campaigns of  (R) and  (D), who are running against each other for the U.S. Senate, sent holiday greetings to supporters via e-mail on Friday.

Both candidates sent out photos (see photo gallery) of their families. Kaine's family portrait looked somewhat more formal, while Allen's looked more casual, in front of a family Christmas tree. Each family has three children.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • The Kaine greeting was sent by Kaine's wife Anne Holton :

"Season's Greetings!

Thank you for all your support through the years. We hope you have a blessed holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Tim, Anne, Nat, Woody and Annella"

  • The Allen greeting was sent by George Allen:

"We wish you many blessings during your holiday season and throughout the New Year! May it be filled with friends, family, laughter, and a little cheer.

We are especially grateful to the men and women serving our country away from home and their families during this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

From our home to yours,
 
The Allens
George, Susan, Tyler, Forrest, and Brooke"


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here