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Businessman Timothy Donner announces his candidacy for U.S.

The pool of candidates running for the U.S. Senate in 2012 grew larger last week as Timothy E. Donner, a television production company owner and conservative public policy advocate, announced his intention to run. Donner, who has no experience in electoral politics, faces an uphill battle against former senator George Allen (R) and Virginia Tea Party Patriots leader Jamie Radtke.

"I have no interest in the trappings of power or money, I have an interest in serving the people of Virginia," said Donner. "I think what I offer is exactly what people are looking for right now."

Donner brings his experience as a businessman, entrepreneur and broadcast journalist to the race, claiming that he feels "called to serve." Donner is the founder of Horizon Television Inc, a media production business, and One Generation Away, an education and public policy group. For the last eight years, he has served as the host of Talkin' Baseball, a nationally-syndicated sports radio show.

"I think the environment is ripe for people outside the traditional political realm. We saw that in 2010, and I fully expect that will continue in 2012," said Donner, referencing the success of underdogs Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Donner's campaign rests on his ability to raise money and to connect with voters. While he does not have the name recognition of other candidates, Donner hopes his grassroots campaign will gain publicity amongst Virginians tired of career politicians. His connections with conservative groups could enable him to raise the necessary campaign funds.

"I offer the virtues of someone who has led a life like most Virginians in the real world rather than someone who has led a life as a career politician," said Donner. "I've done everything from take out the trash to meet with CEOs over the years."

Donner has lived in Virginia for the past 25 years with his wife Leesa and their two special-needs children, William and TJ. While one boy attends public school, the other is homeschooled. Donner also serves as an elder at the Fourth Presbyterian Church (EPC) and as a member of the Fairfax County Republican Committee.

"Faith plays a central role, a defining role, in my life. Since coming to faith along with my wife, we have placed Christ at center of our home, our lives, and our professions," said Donner. "My hope is that during this campaign people will be able to see Christ shine through me."

A graduate from Syracuse University, Donner holds a BA in broadcast journalism/political science and has spent his career devoted to public policy and faith-based issues. Over the years, he has worked with conservative think-tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute and was a founding member of the board of directors for the Virginia Institute for Public Policy. In 2005, his broadcasting company, Horizons Television, produced the documentary, Inconvenient Truth, or Convenient Fiction, a rebuttal to Al Gore's global warming claims.

"The issues for Virginia are really the same as they are for the nation as a whole," said Donner, referring to the debt crisis. "We're headed to the edge of the cliff, and we have one more chance to make the serious and bold reforms that need to be made in order to prevent us from going over that edge."

When it comes to politics, Donner holds traditional conservative values, supporting limited government and the free market. He believes politicians must work to restructure government entitlement programs, balance the budget, limit the spending percentage and repeal Obamacare. He also believes that the government must create a climate, by first lowering corporate income tax, in which private sector jobs can be created.

As for social issues, Donner stands with traditional conservative values, claiming to be "100 percent pro-life." Citing the bill signed into law by South Dakota governor, Dennis Daugaard, earlier this year, Donner believes that all states should make an effort to inform women of the emotional and spiritual "devastation of abortion."

"They are not being told that this is a life-changing event and that this is something that is not just a medical procedure," said Donner.

Success seems to run in the Donner family. Timothy's father, Joseph W. Donner, helped found a conservative magazine, the National Review, and his grandfather, William H. Donner, was a steel tycoon who founded the Donner Steel Company in Buffalo, N.Y.

Polls have shown that George Allen has a large, early lead on his fellow Republicans, and a Washington Post poll run earlier this month shows Allen in a dead heat with probable Democrat candidate Timothy M. Kaine. The race to succeed retiring Sen. James Webb (D) will be a pivotal battle in the 2012 elections, especially for Democrats who will be defending 23 open seats.

In addition to Allen, Donner and Radtke, other possible Republican candidates are Chesapeake bishop and tea-party activist Earl Jackson and Hampton Roads lawyer David McCormick. Other Republicans who may be considering a Senate run include Del. Bob Marshall and Prince William Board of County Supervisor Corey Stewart.

Donner has been making appearances throughout Virginia all week, and will be speaking at the Republican Liberty Caucus in Arlington on Saturday. He remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming months.

"I wouldn't have gotten in this race if I didn't believe there was a clear pathway to victory. My intent is to fight the good fight, to run the race set before me and, ultimately, to win."