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Ex-governor jumps into race for U.S. Senate
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WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore officially jumped into next year’s U.S. Senate race Monday, setting up a likely showdown with the well-known Democrat who succeeded him in a race that will draw attention from the national political parties.
Gilmore, 58, plans to make his national-security credentials the hallmark of his campaign. The former Army counterintelligence officer says he can capitalize on voters’ security concerns in a race against Democrat Mark Warner, who holds fundraising and popularity advantages over Gilmore. The men will be competing for the seat being vacated by the retiring Republican John Warner, who is not related to Mark.
“We have a great many challenges facing our country,” Gilmore said in a video statement e-mailed to supporters and the media. “Of course, serious problems and crises are nothing new for America. But today, I’m sorry to say, we also find too often that our leaders just aren’t up to the challenge.”
Gilmore avoided a serious challenge for the nomination in October when his supporters convinced state Republican Party officials to hold a nominating convention instead of a primary, effectively forcing U.S. Rep. Tom Davis of Northern Virginia to drop his Senate plans.
Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, told The Examiner on Monday he may challenge Gilmore for the Republican nod.
Gilmore’s insistence on moving forward with his signature campaign promise to greatly reduce the unpopular car tax despite concerns from moderate Republican legislators forced a historic budget impasse in 2001, and many lawmakers and state officials blame the cuts for Virginia’s 2002-03 recession.
Warner, who took office in January 2002, blamed Gilmore for underestimating state revenue and used the shortfall as justification for pushing a $1.3 billion tax package through a Republican-run General Assembly.
Voters can expect to hear plenty about Gilmore’s tax cuts and Warner’s revenue package between now and next year’s Election Day.
jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
9:56 AM MST on Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 re: "Gilmore formally enters U.S. Senate race"
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9:54 AM MST on Mon., Nov. 19, 2007
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Examiner Reader said:
Karl Rove sent him home. he Backed Bush and got Bushwhacked. Gilmore has no more sheen. Old news He lost the luster and he is not the real thing. He also is against non violent felons getting their rights to vote restored this is old style outdated politics. Republicans need all the votes since the Hispanics will be voting against them illegally
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Examiner Reader said:
Loser , forget him the Republicans cannot win with him. He is od news did nothing for the republicans this election cycle. Pay no mind he cannot beat Warner... He is hard core AG and nothing more
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