The announcement Monday that Del. Bob Marshall has thrown his hat into the U.S. Senate race in Virginia did not go unnoticed by the two heavyweights in the race, the campaigns of former governors Tim Kaine (D) and George Allen (R).

"Given George Allen's record of increasing state spending by 45 percent as Virginia's governor and helping turn a record surplus into a record deficit as a U.S. Senator, it's no wonder Del. Bob Marshall believes he can beat Allen in a Republican primary," said Brandi Hoffine, Kaine for Virginia communications director, in a statement.

The Allen campaign also offered its opinion. "George Allen respects Delegate Marshall and through the years they have had the opportunity to work together on a number of issues," said Bill Riggs, Allen Campaign spokesman. "Our campaign remains focused on building on the strong grassroots support we have received throughout the Commonwealth and George Allen’s positive message of proven, pro-growth solutions to reinvigorate the economy and ensure all Americans have the greatest opportunity to succeed."

Marshall, who is widely considered one of the most conservative members of the Virginia legislature, nearly defeated former Gov. Jim Gilmore for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2008, the Kaine campaign pointed out.

"Virginians are looking for a Senator who knows how to make budget cuts while protecting the economy, investing in key areas like education and infrastructure, and recruiting new businesses to our Commonwealth and our nation," Hoffine said. "Tim Kaine is the only candidate in this race with success in all those areas. We welcome Del. Marshall to the race and look forward to contrasting our positive record of fiscal responsibility and sound economic management with the Allen/Marshall agenda that would rather re-litigate past disputes than find common ground on future challenges."