Posted on 12/21/2006 7:23:40 AM PST by ReagansRaiders
Richmond, VA Jim Gilmore, a tax-slashing former Virginia governor, announced he will explore a presidential bid in 2008.
Citing what he said was the lack of a true conservative in the field of GOP White House prospects, Gilmore said Tuesday he will charter a federal committee in January that would allow him to assess his chances for the race himself.
"There is not a committed conservative in the field who can put together a national campaign. I am and I can. I have people on the ground right now in Iowa and in South Carolina," Gilmore, 57, said in a telephone interview from New York.
His comments were directed not only at others preparing for a GOP presidential run, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and departing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. It's also yet another of his many slaps at lavish federal spending by the current Republican administration and Congress.
"I am not someone who has to evolve as a conservative. I don't have to evolve my position," he said.
Gilmore was easily elected governor in 1997 on a promise to cut the despised property tax local governments assess on personal cars and pickup trucks. He served one term and could not seek re-election because Virginia uniquely bars successive terms for its governors.
No, he didn't lose. Virginia's Governor's are limited to 1 consecutive term.
Mark Early.
Owens screwed up his chances big time a couple years ago.
..Haley Barbour...
Kilgore was the name I was thinking of. Thanks.
Gilmore was less than impressive in his leadership of the GOP role. Wasn't very effective in debates with his counterpart. Disappointing really. Just IMHO.
Is he pro second amendment?
I listened to Duncan Hunter this weekend on C Span. I liked him. Don't know much about him though.
BTTT. I'm still wondering if the GOP has anyone with national aspirations and a real chance of gaining the nomination who will stand up for our most basic right. The Dems I know about for them, the question is which of them will start the house-to-house searches first...but it'd be nice to have someone with an "R" after their name do more than agree that "we need to control guns," but just not do it as fast or severely as the Demonrats.
Sorry for the brainfart. It should have read: "About the Dems, I know that the question is ...."
I always liked him, but he would be a terrible campaigner. He's about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Blame that on Rove. Gilmore was butting heads with him over his role as RNC Chairman. Rove wanted a figurehead and figured that Gilmore would settle for that. That isn't Gilmore's style at all.
Oh, come on! Can't you tell that I was exaggerating just a bit for effect?
On the other hand, how many Dems voted against the bill (now law) that forbid seizures of weapons from law-abiding citizens during disasters?
How many Dems have voted ***dozens of times*** in favor of banning "assault rifles" or various (or all) handguns?
Maybe I'm not so paranoid as your snide link would seem to indicate you think I am. It is clear that well over 90% of the leaders of the Democratic Party are severely and reflexively anti-gun, and that THEY are the ones who are paranoid (about us proles owning guns). Of course, they are mostly against us bubbas owning guns, while simultaneously failing to vote for (let alone propose) severe criminal sanctions against those who commit violent crimes, with or without a gun.
Is a bear Catholic?
Good news BTTT
Gilmore has my vote. Brownback is great... on social issues. But he's still a Senator and I want someone with executive experience who can tackle fiscal and security issues.
As for Bill Owens, Owens is no conservative. He's Colorado's Bill Clinton, he'll do whatever is politically expedient at any given time. Owens destroyed the conservative candidates in two consecutive primaries and repealed TABOR.
*ping*
Here's another potential Presidential candidate, but I'm not so hot about him.
Elect the G-men! Giuliani-Gilmore 08.
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