wenBLOG

I knew this would happen sooner or later, and I’m glad that my friend former Virgina Governor Jim Gilmore chose to step out of the race for president today when it became obvious that his chances were nil.

Statement from former Virginia Gov. 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.

 

 

There’s a lesson here for other candidates that should be heeded now instead of six months from now - get out if you don’t have a chance.  The governor had the class to take a swing and move on.  Having a casting call of candidates at every debate only weakens the dialogue for voters to see what the front-runners bring to the table.

Having said that it’s a sad state of affairs when a candidate must begin their run for the White House years in advance, have some gimmick that gives them instant front-runner status, or a bank account with lots of zeroes following the first number.

I wish the governor well and I look forward to helping him in his future endeavors.

As for me, I’m a free agent… I wonder which candidate I’ll be supporting now.