George Allen is out of political exile and wrapping himself in the Tea Party.

In a video released today announcing his 2012 bid for his old Senate seat, Allen jumps on the Tea Party bandwagon, hitting the themes of “freedom,” “spending,” “mandates,” “the American Dream” and even the founding fathers.

“One of my heroes, Thomas Jefferson, said that the sum of good government is a wise and frugal government that shall not take from the mouths of labor the bread they have earned,” Allen says.

He added a line that could double as his own theme: “Friends, it’s time for an American comeback.

“A comeback with leaders in Washington who listen to we, the people, adhere to foundational principles, rein in spending and start creating opportunities for more jobs.”

He pledges to “repeal and replace this government-mandated health-care experiment, pass a balanced-budget amendment, and the line-item veto, and reduce our families’ energy costs by unleashing our American resources and creativity.”

He signs off, “Thank you and please stay strong for freedom.”

As we wrote in First Thoughts on Allen’s chances: “[K]eep this in mind: While rematches are tough in general, a pre-Macaca Allen beat a relatively weak Chuck Robb (D) by just 52%-48% in 2000, a year Al Gore didn’t even compete in Virginia (and lost the state 52%-44%). Of course, the Democrats still have to convince Webb to run for re-election. But if Webb does -- or if Tim Kaine takes his place if he doesn’t -- it could be much more difficult than many are realizing for Allen to win if Obama’s re-election chances are looking strong. Be careful handicapping this race ONLY through the prism of 2006 or 2010; presidential years dramatically alter the Virginia electorate.”

Here’s the full script, per his campaign:

You know what we’ve been getting from Washington?

Overspending, finger pointing and government mandates.

What’s missing?

Listening.

Hi, I’m George Allen.

Susan and I have been traveling throughout the Commonwealth listening to the voices of Virginia.

And people are anxious and worried about losing their jobs, and their homes.  Fearful that the rising national debt will rob our children of the opportunities we had. And frustrated, really frustrated that Washington continues to ignore us.

One of my heroes, Thomas Jefferson said that the sum of good government is a wise and frugal Government… that shall not take from the mouths of labor the bread they have earned.

I believe that these principles are as true today as they were at the foundation of our United States.

The pivotal elections coming up in 2012 are going to determine the trajectory of our country, whether the opportunity to achieve the American Dream will continue to decline, or begin to ascend again.

Friends, it’s time for an American comeback.

A comeback with leaders in Washington who listen to We The People, adhere to foundational principles, rein in spending and start creating opportunities for more jobs.

Now to get we’re going to need more leaders listening to Virginia voices.

Leaders who will fight to Repeal and replace this government mandated healthcare experiment, Pass a balanced budget amendment and the line-item veto, And reduce our families’ energy costs by unleashing our American resources and creativity.

Today I’m announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

You know me as someone willing to fight for the people of Virginia,  And I’d like the responsibility to fight for you again.

Hire me on for six years and I pledge to work hard restoring freedom, personal responsibility and opportunity for all.

Our cause is one we all share.

To bring Virginia’s voices and values back to Washington.

And Susan and I sure look forward to seeing you on the trail ahead, listening and discussing ideas for achievable reforms that’ll put our country back on the path to prosperity.

Thank you and please stay strong for freedom.