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I lived in Virginia when Gilmore and Warner were governors, and I far preferred Gilmore. He was a crime-fighting attorney general before he was elected Governor and he won the election largely by promising an end to the hated Virginia car tax. He delivered on that promise and ended the car tax, and was a good Governor. He also did a lot to promote technology and business development around the state, which he doesn't get enough credit for. He also quietly reformed the election process in Virginia; a very good friend of mine ran that effort and it is going to be much harder for Democrats to steal elections in Virginia as a result.

Voters in Virginia do not care very much about abortion and gay marriage, and when abortion becomes the big issue ina campaign, Republicans lose. George Allen was elected Governor based on his promise to end parole and reform education. Gilmore was elected because he promised to end the car tax. When Republicans find these sorts of conservative issues to run on, they win in Virginia. That's why I am glad Gilmore won the Senate nomination. His record as Governor stacks up very well against Warner's. Warner was more of a showhorse while Gilmore was a workhorse.

Voters in Virginia do not care very much about abortion and gay marriage...

Had you seen the reaction at the convention any time those issues were mentioned, you would not make such a sweeping statement.

Also, his campaign spokesperson said he believes life begins at conception, but does not believe it can be legislated.

“He delivered on that promise and ended the car tax...”

Wrong. First, the car tax never disappeared 100 percent, partly due to Democrats and partly due to the plan Gilmore agreed to. At one point it was reduced by 70 percent but is about 60 percent now because there’s a cap on how much can be spent for car tax relief to localities.

And therein is the big lie. Your car tax bill might be smaller, but all the money that localities lose from that (car tax money went to localities, not to the state) is being replaced by state tax funds. And who do you think pays THOSE taxes?

I hate the car tax as much as the next guy (the main reason it’s so despised is that you have to pay it in one or two lump sums), but the way it was “eliminated” (not) was stupid and a farce.