BY WESLEY P. HESTER

Ahead of this Friday’s Republican U.S. Senate debate, former Gov. George Allen has brought in another endorsement, this one from the American Conservative Union PAC.

Formed in 1964, the ACU describes itself as a group dedicated to lowering taxes, reducing spending and “issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and national security.”

“George Allen is the clear choice for conservatives who want to win in Virginia this November,” said ACU chairman Al Cardenas, touting Allen’s “lifetime American Conservative Union rating” of 93 while serving in the Congress.

Allen commented: “I’m proud to stand for proven, conservative solutions that hold government accountable, reduce taxes and burdensome regulations on families and job-creating businesses, unleash our American energy resources, and free our economy to grow and create jobs.”

Allen faces three rivals for the GOP nomination: state Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, Chesapeake minister E.W. Jackson, and Chesterfield tea party activist Jamie Radtke. The winner will face Democratic nominee and former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Democrats were quick to criticize the endorsement and tie it to women’s rights issues, which have harmed Republicans in the state and across the nation.

Democratic Party of Virginia chairman Brian Moran said the endorsement from a group that supports defunding Planned Parenthood “will not go unnoticed.”

“Whether it’s his support for federal ‘personhood’ legislation or his radio silence on McDonnell’s ultrasound mandate, George Allen would be another Senator committed to curbing health care access for Virginia women,” Moran said.