BY WESLEY P. HESTER

With the nomination in the bag, Republican U.S. Senate nominee George Allen now enjoys the support of Virginia attorney general and tea party darling Ken Cuccinelli.

Cuccinelli, a 2013 gubernatorial candidate who had declined to endorse prior to Tuesday’s primary, on Wednesday announced his support for Allen.

“This election is about protecting Virginians’ freedom and opportunity from an overreaching federal government,” Cuccinelli said in a statement circulated by Allen’s campaign. “George Allen’s record shows that he believes that government should serve the people, not be an impediment to Virginia families and small businesses.”  

Allen faces Democratic nominee and fellow former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine in the fall election to succeed U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.

Cuccinelli praised Allen’s record as governor while bashing Kaine’s.

“Tim Kaine supported $4 Billion of tax hikes, raided the Rainy Day fund and presided over the loss of 100,000 jobs,” he said.

“These two candidates have records that can be compared directly one to the other. George Allen’s record towers above Tim Kaine’s, and I’m proud to stand with George because I know he has the leadership and experience our Commonwealth needs in the U.S. Senate,” he said.

Allen thanked Cuccinelli for his support, calling him “a key voice in our fight against Obamacare.”

Though a little late to the party, Cuccinelli joins a long list of high-profile Allen supporters, including Gov. Bob McDonnell and Cuccinelli’s rival for the 2013 GOP nomination, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.