Susan Allen Says Obamacare Will Be 'Big Divider' In U.S. Senate Race

Susan Allen was stumping for her husband, U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, today in Fredericksburg and she had some influential political friends by her side.

Sen. Bryce Reeves and Prince William County Del. Richard Anderson (R-51) tagged along with Susan Allen for a luncheon rally at the . Reeves is the new co-chairman of the Military Caucus and Anderson is chairman. Anderson spent 30 years in the Air Force and Reeves is a former Army Ranger. After the luncheon, they visited with another small business owner Jeff Morin of Coins for Anything off Industrial Drive.

The Republican primary is June 12 and both Allens are touring the state to talk to small business owners and voters. Allen's challengers are E.W. Jackson, Del. , and

Susan Allen had a quick chat with Blue and Gray Brewery owner and brewmaster Jeff Fitzpatrick, who expressed some concerns about President Obama's healthcare plan and how it might impact his business. Fitzpatrick will celebrate his 10th year brewing on July 2. He said the brewery is "rock solid" and the restaurant he added a few years ago is picking up business.

"I'm glad to see you so successful here," Susan Allen told him.

Reeves called Susan Allen "wonderwoman" because of how much stumping she has been doing for her husband. George and Susan Allen will actually celebrate their 26th anniversary on June 7 apart as they campaign in different parts of Virginia.

"She hustles every day, her schedule is jam packed," Reeves said. "This is the sacrifice that the Allens make because they know that when they get into office they are going to help not only move Virginia forward, but move us forward as a country. We get a two-fer here because not only do we get George Allen, but we get Susan Allen."

Anderson said George Allen has earned the respect and appreciation of military veterans. He urged the dozen people who came to have lunch to vote for George Allen in the primary.

"That way we move him from the semifinals into the finals and across the goal in November to be the next United States Senator for the Commonwealth of Virginia," Anderson said.

One of those veterans Anderson was referring to was Daniel P. Cortez of Stafford County, who is president of the nonprofit Virginia Weddings For Life Inc. Cortez earned a Purple Heart as a Marine in Vietnam and served with Susan Allen's father, Larry, a Marine Corps pilot who Cortez said flew him in and out of battle.

"I don't think there is anyone who cares more about veterans, next to the governor, than George Allen and Rich Anderson," Cortez said. "We want people like that to support our veterans. People I marry say how bad things are and it is the worst I have ever seen it in my life. It is so much like when Jimmy Carter was president."

Susan Allen finished the luncheon with a quick speech about what seems to be a regular concern she hears from small business owners: President Obama's healthcare plan.

"Every small business I go into, the number one issue, and I was asking Jeff here at the brewery, the number one issue that impedes the growth of their business is Obamacare," she said. "George wants to get in there and repeal it and replace it right away."