Gilmore Resigns as GOP Chairman

Washington Post ^ | 11/30/01 | Robert Melton

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

RICHMOND, Nov. 30

[Diddle E. Squat]

This is very good news, we need changes in direction, tactics, style, and aggressiveness. Gilmore is a good man, has a great record, and has helped the party in many ways. His contributions should be recognized. Nonetheless, he is not the right man for the job right now. There will be other ways in which he can serve the team.

Hopefully a bold conservative will take his place.

[bureaucrud]

Actually, Laz, I like sharpshooter55's idea (#8 above) for Schundler.

[maxwell]

Well I'm not as shocked as I might be. Gilmore never did seem to me to be the brightest bulb in the box here.

[Hugh Akston]

What do the whispers you are hearing say?

[Miss Marple]

Gilmore's failing is that although a pleasant man, he is not a quick talker. We need someone who can outtalk Terry McAuliffe and is more appealing (although most anyone on the Republican side is more appealing).

Some suggestions:

Mark Racicot of Montana (now living in DC, I believe)
Bret Schundler (not good on strategy but an excellent speaker)
former Presidient Bush (wouldn't that send McAuliffe apoplectic...and 41 held the position before)
Linda Chavez (hehehehe)

Karl Rove is too important to be removed from the White House, although he would probably be a good choice.

[Ligeia]

Gilmore is straight out of Central Casting in his former roles as a prosecutor in Richmond and attorney general for the Commonwealth. He has always been slightly miscast in his role as governor, and certainly as RNC Chairman. I think he only agreed to the RNC Chairmanship as a favor to President Bush.

[Mo1]

Now can we please GET A WARRIOR in there?!?!?!?!?!

I have to agree on this .. As much as I like Gilmore .. he really wasn't the right man for the guy ... we need someone with teeth that won't back down ...

This fight against the CommieRats is far from over .. and they are just waiting to go on the attack ..

[Hugh Akston]

I know who it will be!

Bud Selig!

[cogitator]

I have a feeling that Gilmore was unfairly labeled as a "loser" primarily because Virginia's one-term governor law means that the subsequent governor needs to be from your party for anyone to be labeled a "winner". Gilmore stood up for his principles, perhaps to the detriment of the politics involved in getting Earley elected governor. That error (if it can be called an error) may have led to the perception in the higher-ups that he appeared weak as a GOP leader. So I think it likely that he was asked, no doubt politely, to evaluate whether or not his continued role as GOP chairman was in the best interests of the party.

I have a feeling, like others here, that Karl Rove may become the GOP chairman for the 2002 battles.

[PhiKapMom]

Jack Oliver, #2 at RNC, is the perfect choice. He is also articulate, good looking, and will have McAuliffe for lunch! He is also the best money raiser we have! Not to mention he worked closely as part of the Bush inner circle during the campaign. President Bush's handpicked fundraiser should be #1 at RNC.

[TheHeterodoxConservative]

Time for a "contraction" of the Big Tent?

[MotleyGirl70]

Buh-bye!

[hchutch]

I think Schundler would be a good pick, IMO. It does three things:

One, it will put someone who succeeded in getting a message that got votes in urban areas during his time as mayor of Jersey City.

Two, it also offers a means for Bret to continue to keep his name out there.

Three, it sends a messgae to the NJ RINOs.

[Lazamataz]

Linda Chavez (hehehehe)

YOU, MA'AM, ARE ON TO SOMETHING! A Hispanic Woman as RNC head!!! NICE!!! and she is QUICK THINKING on her feet and very conservative! Go ye hence and give your idea to people in power!!!

[Miss Marple]

Excellent news...I wasn't aware of Jack Oliver.

There is charm, however, in the idea of Rudy Guiliani getting the job. Heheheh.

[COBOL2Java]

I think it goes without saying that had the Virginia and New Jersey governorship gone to the Republicans Jim Gilmore would now be hailed as exactly what the RNC needs. As it stands, having him step down seems the right thing to do, and I wish him and his family the best.

Miss Marple, I like your list. We need someone who can take on the demon that is Terry McAuliffe.

[irgbar-man]

Har-har! C'mon, who really?

[MississippiMan]

I hope the GOP wises up and installs a mean, savvy, no-holds-barred kind of leader who understands how to battle the evil ones.

MM

[The Iron Duke]

John Kasich would also be an interesting pick. Not only does he comes across well on TV but he would probably do a very good job recruiting candidates.