Jim Gilmore 2008

Jim Gilmore and Conservatism

2007-02-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

This article appeared late last week in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Gilmore continues to claim that he is the only true conservative in the race. Thus he is emphasising the fact that he is a Reagan conservative, in comparison to the other candidates.

Gilmore says conservatism will help him win GOP nod
BY TYLER WHITLEY - TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore said yesterday that he can win the Republican presidential nomination because he brings a consistent conservatism to the race that his opponents do not.

"I am the Reagan conservative," Gilmore told the annual meeting of the Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association, an organization of journalists who cover the state Capitol. Many covered Gilmore during his tumultuous term as governor, from 1998 to 2002.

While he acknowledged he got into the race late, "it is very doable," he said.
The states begin nominating delegates to the national convention in 11 months, and many GOP campaigns have raised far more money and have far more extensive organizations than Gilmore does.

Gilmore said he would campaign as a tax-cutting governor who carried out his campaign promises and who is an expert on homeland security. As an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, he led a national homeland security organization for five years.
Asked if President Bush would be a liability to Republicans in 2008, Gilmore said Republicans should run on their own record. Asked if he could carry Virginia, Gilmore answered simply, "Yes."

He left office unpopular after fighting with fellow Republicans in the Virginia Senate. He also left with mounting budget deficits that some blamed on his campaign promise to repeal the personal-property tax on cars and trucks. The Senate halted that repeal after it cost the state treasury $950 million, about 70 percent of the total repeal.

Jim Gilmore on Fox & Friends

2007-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore has appeared on Fox and Friends on the Fox News Network, to discuss his possible bid for the Republican Nomination.

Gilmore said that he hasn't yet made a decision to run for President, but the reception he has received in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina has been very warm.

On Iraq, Gilmore said that President Bush needs to be supported in his plans to send more troops. He also believed that the President was making some headway with Iran, with cracks starting to appear in their nuclear program.

On Immigration, Gilmore said that the borders need to be strengthened and he is opposed to an Amnesty.

Gilmore said that he has the experience, in comparison to some of the other leading candidates. He says that he is a true Reagan Conservative, as opposed to candidates like Mitt Romney.

He also has National Security experience, having chaired the National Commission for the United States on Homeland Security for 5 years.

Gilmore to New Hampshire this Weekend

2007-01-25T07:44:00.001-08:00

Jim Gilmore will be campaigning in New Hampshire this weekend.

Gilmore confirms his run for President

2007-01-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Jim Gilmore filed papers for an Exploratory Committee with the FEC on Tuesday in his quest for the Republican Nomination for President of the United States.

Gilmore said that he believes that there is "...simply room for a consistent conservative in this race."

The Conservative Voice suggests that Gilmore can be President, arguing that he "..will connect with Republican voters across the country like he did with Virginia’s faithful Republicans."

Exploratory Committee for Gilmore 08

2007-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore is soon expected to launch an exploratory committee for a Presidential bid in 2008.

Gilmore appears ready to run and has positioned himself carefully, recently telling CBS that "There is not a committed conservative in the field who can put together a national campaign. I am and I can."

While Gilmore is little known outside of Virginia, he has previously held the post of Chair of the Republican National Committee, and was a prime supporter of President Bush for the nomination in 2000.

Gilmore made his mark in Virginia, heavily slashing taxes in that state. Gilmore was precluded from running for a second term by Virgina Law.

Jim Gilmore has a serious interest in anti-terrorism measures, having chaired a Congressional Advisory Panel on this issue, and serving as President of USASECURE, a homeland security think tank.

Although Gilmore has a low recognition rate outside of Virginia, as a "committed conservative", he may well appeal to sections of the Republicans that fear the emergence of social moderates like Giuliani or McCain.