The Politico is reporting that former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore is ending his Presidential campaign:
Former Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III is dropping his underdog bid for the Republican presidential nomination today, his top strategist, Dick Leggitt, told Politico.
Gilmore had offered himself as “the Reagan conservative” in a field that has left many Republican activists dissatisfied. He is the first GOP candidate to leave the race.
Gilmore was a long shot candidate to begin with, and he never really did anything to break out of the pack. This is not surprising in the least.
Update: Here is Gilmore’s official statement:July 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Statement from former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore
I am today withdrawing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President. It has been a positive and rewarding experience for me, for my family, and for my supporters.
It has become apparent to me that the combination of my late start, and the front loaded nature of the primary schedule, have made it impractical to continue to pursue this path towards further public service.
I am proud of the fact that my campaign focused on the issues, worked hard to block amnesty for illegal immigrants, brought attention to the need to protect private property rights, and called for a new path in Iraq that would provide our valiant military men and women with a more clearly defined and achievable mission.
However, I have come to believe that it takes more than a positive vision for our nation’s future to successfully compete for the Presidency. I believe that it takes years of preparation to put in place both the political and financial infrastructure to contest what now amounts to a one-day national primary in February.
In the coming weeks and months, I intend to remain active in the Republican Party and in the public debate. I will be forming a state political action committee to assist Republican candidates in the Virginia General Assembly races. Additionally, I will be actively looking for other opportunities to continue in public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Including rumors that are already circulating of a Senate bid in 2008 if Warner doesn’t run for re-election.
July 14th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Another fly has dropped…
Did you even know former Governor Jim Gilmore was running? Had you ever heard of Jim Gilmore? My answers are no and yes. How about yours?…