Free Republic

Odd, the pianist Kirill Gerstein thought. A music critic from Houston was coming to interview him in Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Gerstein’s manager had arranged the meeting, at the Omni Hotel’s J bar, to coincide with a run of concerts last November. Might as well meet the writer, the pianist thought. Kirill Gerstein, a naturalized American citizen of Russian origin, is the latest recipient of the $300,000 Gilmore Artist Award. But instead of a critic waiting at the bar, it was the man from the Gilmore festival. And in his hand was an envelope proclaiming Mr. Gerstein the latest winner of...

Virginia’s U.S. Senate race between two former governors presents marked contrasts between the men in style and substance. Even those who prefer Republican Jim Gilmore’s platform say they like Democrat Mark Warner’s persona. We agree. How, then, to choose? Here’s one way: This year’s top voter concern, no surprise, is the economy. And on that measure, Mr. Gilmore’s principles and, yes, even his well-known stubbornness will better serve Virginia in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Gilmore’s principles are strongly aligned with foundational American freedoms — free enterprise, free markets, freedom to work and the right to vote freely in labor elections...

  Political Director's UpdateLast Call Edition 12th Edition October 31, 2008 In This Edition: GOTV Efforts Gilmore and McCain/Palin Charlottesville Daily Progress Endorsement Other Newspaper Endorsements National Right To Work PAC Ad Christian Coalition Voter Guide     GOTV Efforts This is it, folks! All of the phone calls, all of the door knocks, all of the letters stamped and envelopes sealed, comes down to the next 4 days. So many of you have put so much effort into this race for the US Senate, and I can't begin to tell you how much it's appreciated. The question remains,...

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore faces a difficult political task this year, running as a red-state conservative in Virginia - a "purple" state that is turning increasingly blue. The Democratic nominee, former Gov. Mark Warner, is heavily favored to win the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican John Warner, who has held it for 30 years. But Mr. Gilmore would be the superior choice. ... As governor, Mr. Gilmore is best known for his work to repeal the oppressive car tax. Mr. Warner's major political achievement as governor was his success in pushing a $1.4 billion tax increase through...

National Right to Work Committee Ad - Virginia

    EXAMINER ENDORSES JIM GILMORE FOR SENATE Gilmore for U.S. Senate By Examiner Editorial October 27, 2008 With the economy in turmoil and danger abroad, do voters want a candidate who keeps his word or one who doesn’t? That’s the stark choice in Virginia, where two former governors are running to replace retiring Republican John Warner in the U.S. Senate. With public confidence in Washington at record lows, Jim Gilmore’s veracity has earned him The Examiner’s endorsement as the best choice for Virginia - and the nation. Gilmore took tremendous political flak for keeping his promise to get...

...the National Right to Work Committee has apparently decided to invest a least a little bit of money on television ads to try to undercut Warner's appeal. The committee is airing an ad on Richmond television that calls into question whether Warner will uphold Virginia's status as a right-to-work state. The ad notes Warner has not come out against the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to unionize. Gilmore is a strong opponent of the proposal. Gilmore also received a boost today when he picked up an endorsement from the Richmond Times Dispatch. Although the...

Dear Friend: Do you believe in the Second Amendment? Owning a firearm is a constitutionally protected freedom for Americans, something Virginians know well. Matter of fact, the first part of the Second Amendment was taken from the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. Virginian George Mason was a big contributor to that declaration. Unfortunately, today a lot of people take this freedom for granted. But let me tell you, when there’s a candidate like Mark Warner who is running for U.S. Senate in Virginia - who called the NRA “a threat to what it means to be an American”...I say take...

The Republican presidential nominee used the now-infamous nickname for Joe Wurzelbacher, who was filmed disagreeing with Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's tax plan. McCain told the crowd of about 8,000 that Obama wants to tax them to redistribute wealth. McCain said he would lower taxes and cut down on what a warm-up speaker called "the overbearing, suffocating burden of government." Obama has said his tax plan would cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans, and end tax cuts for those making more than $250,000. "How do you cut income taxes for 95 percent of Americans when more than 40 percent...

JOIN JOHN MCCAIN & JIM GILMORE THIS SATURDAY Join John McCain and Jim Gilmore this Saturday, October 18th at 2:00 pm for the Road to Victory Rally at Sean Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge. What: Road to Victory Rally When: Saturday, October 18th at 2:00 pm Where: Sean Connaughton Plaza Prince William County Complex (Located off the Prince William County Parkway) 1 County Complex Court Woodbridge, VA Click here for a map and directions Come out and show your support for John McCain, Jim Gilmore and your Republican ticket.

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore picked up the endorsements of two veterans groups today. Vets for Freedom and Iraqi Veterans Group said they are backing Gilmore's U.S. Senate campaign because of his military background and experience in fighting terrorism. Appearing with veterans at a news conference at the General Assembly Building, Gilmore said he supports the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military until their behavior becomes overt. Gilmore, a Republican, is running against Democrat Mark R. Warner, also a former governor, for the seat of Sen. John W. Warner, a...

Iraqi Veterans Group Endorses Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate Group met with both candidates in effort to clarify positions Richmond – Today, the IFVPP, announced their endorsement of former Governor and Army Veteran, Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate. Speaking of the endorsement, Rusty McGuire, chairman of the IFVPP said, “after meeting with both candidates it was crystal clear who best supported our interest as Iraqi Freedom Veterans”. The endorsement was based on the following criteria: - Operation Iraqi Freedom: Many of the members of IFVPP were wounded in Iraq and care strongly about our commitment in Iraq. Jim...

WASHINGTON, Oct 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee (CCAGW PAC) today announced its endorsement of former Governor Jim Gilmore for election to the U.S. Senate from Virginia. "Jim Gilmore has served the citizens of Virginia with distinction and has an outstanding record of fiscal discipline and fighting on behalf of all taxpayers," CCAGW PAC Chairman Tom Schatz said. "We are confident that his strong leadership abilities and longstanding fiscal conservative values will continue to guide his agenda as he seeks to represent Virginia in the Senate." "Jim Gilmore has proved he...

At Richmond International Raceway, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin likened the last three weeks of the presidential race to last month's close finish at the raceway in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. "You all know something about close races" she told the crowd of between 20,000 and 25,000. "John McCain and I are nearing the finish line of another close race," and it will be a sprint to the finish.

  Join Sarah Palin & Jim Gilmore in Richmond!   Join former Governor Jim Gilmore and Governor Sarah Palin at the McCain-Palin Campaign rally on Monday, October 13th at the Richmond International Raceway. Gates to the event will open and 11:00 a.m. and the program is expected to start at 2:00 p.m. Jim Gilmore will deliver remarks during the program. WHAT: Palin Rally WHEN: Monday, October 13, 2008 Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Program begins at 2:00pm Jim Gilmore to deliver remarks during the program. WHERE: Richmond International Raceway 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA Click here for a...

I am not a party voter. I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and even 'third party' candidates like Ross Perot. The way I roll is to vote for the person that I think will do the best job. For instance, I am voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin. I don't think Obama has the country's best interests at heart. I think he is naive and is likely to make some very costly mistakes because of it. I would love to have a national health care plan, but that is not enough to make me vote for a man I...

STAUNTON — With fewer than 25 days left until election day, candidates and supporters gathered to rally voters Saturday at the monthly Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County Republican breakfast. Advertisement Quantcast Showing their support for Sen. John McCain's presidential candidacy, younger brother Joe McCain and former Gov. Jim Gilmore encouraged Republicans to spend the next month putting in a final bid to independents and Democrats for their votes. Pushing not only financial donations but also grassroots efforts, both men urged Republicans to canvas for McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whom Gilmore called an "exciting, fresh, new...

t can't be easy being Jim Gilmore these days. Republican leaders in Washington long ago wrote off his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Political action groups have closed their checkbooks. Some Virginia GOP elders have endorsed his opponent. Pollsters have him trailing by 25 percentage points - or worse. So what keeps him going? The answer may lie - at least in part - in the former governor's pugnacious personality, what he's done, and where he came from. The Senate race is the kind of challenge that brought Gilmore into politics in the 1970s; he is both experienced and comfortable...

Joe McCain handed Jim Gilmore a check Saturday, and called for others to do the same. With just more than three weeks left before the Nov. 4 elections, McCain called for the Republicans gathered at Kathy’s Restaurant in Staunton to leave “with a mission and a message” to elect his brother, John McCain, as president, Gilmore as U.S. Senator and the other party nominees across Virginia to their respective offices. The campaign contribution, like the one he gave to Gilmore, will help, Joe McCain said, but people need to spread the message that it’s his brother, John, who is most...

Warner: Scalia Thomas Not Mainstream Jim Gilmore supports constitutionalist judges and supports the overturn of Roe v Wade calling it a bad decision. Mark Warner says justices Scalia and Thomas are outside the mainstream when asked about Roe v Wade and the justices he would support. Roanoke VA Senate Debate Friday October 3, 2008 Warner: Scalia Thomas Not Mainstream  

FIGHT FOR JIM GILMORE By Dick Armey Dear Virginia Taxpayer, I know what it's like to fight for what you believe in. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 18 years, and the Majority Leader from 1995 to 2002, I know it takes courage and dedication to stand up for working families and protect taxpayers who are facing an ever growing burden as a result of what's happening in Washington. There is always someone who believes bigger government and higher taxes are the answer to every problem, someone determined to take away more and more of...

WRVA VA DOES MARK WARNER'S COMMENTS FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO CHANGE YOUR MIND IN THE SENATE RACE? Yes. It's his "macaca" moment. 24.09 % No. It was years ago and it's old news. 10.22 % No. And Warner's right. 5.84 %

Earmark Mark Roanoke Debate Friday October 3, 2008 Mark Warner says he will accept Earmarks. Jim Gilmore says he will not. Jim discusses Earmarks in the bailout bill and says it was wrong.  

October 8, 2008 Republican Jim Gilmore wants another debate with Democrat Mark Warner in the Virginia Senate race. Gilmore says in light of the recent financial situation, a debate is the best way to show voters the candidates' real positions. The former governor says he would like to work with the League of Women voters to schedule the event.

If you are having trouble viewing this invitation click here     You are invited to a reception to support JIM GILMORE Candidate for U.S. Senate from Virginia Wednesday, October 8, 2008 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bull and Bear Club 901 E Cary Street, 21st floor / Richmond, Virginia 23219 HOST COMMITTEE: Dave Barrett Bill Goodwin Rick Sharp Linwood Cobb Bob Marcellus Gary Thompson Miles Dumville Max Pearson Chris Whyte SPECIAL GUESTS: Delegate Kirk Cox Delegate Christopher Peace Richard Glover Aubrey Stanley, Jr. Honorable David Kaechele Pat O’Bannon Delegate Jimmie Massie Elton Wade Senator Ryan McDougle Sheriff Mike...

WINCHESTER — Taxpayers will pay now or later for the $700 billion financial bailout signed into law by President Bush last Friday. Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, a candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican John Warner, talks about the financial bailout package approved last week. He was interviewed Tuesday at The Winchester Star. (Photo by Jeff Taylor) That glum perspective was offered Tuesday by former Gov. Jim Gilmore, campaigning in Winchester for the Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican John Warner, who is retiring after 30 years. Gilmore is running against his successor as governor, Democrat...

Senate Candidate: Homeschoolers, Pro-Lifers, Gun Owners Threaten American Values   I haven't been following closely the Virginia senate race between Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Jim Gilmore (to replace the retiring Senator John Warner). But I came across this clip this morning and found it startling. I found it startling not for what was said--because I hear Democrats saying things like this every day, just not ones running for office--but because someone was actually able to record it. Democrats--at least ones running for public office--are usually more circumspect about their true feelings like this. In this clip, you'll hear...

After the votes were taken, The Washington Post expressed shock that some 83 percent of retiring Republicans voted for the bailout while no GOP freshmen did so. To the Post this was evidence not that elected representatives sometimes actually listen to their constituents, but that the Republican freshmen are too ideologically oriented to deal with reality. It never even occurred to the Post writer that perhaps the retiring members have as a group been in Washington so long that even had they been facing reelection the voters mattered less to them than the demands of the Washington establishment. Establishment praise...

Retiring U.S. Sen. John Warner on Saturday voiced disappointment in fellow Republican Jim Gilmore's efforts to succeed him this fall and declined to endorse him. Instead, Warner suggested that he may wind up backing Democrat Mark Warner in the race. The two Warners are not related. John Warner took exception to Gilmore's strong condemnation of a $700 billion Wall Street rescue package that was passed by the House of Representatives on Friday and signed by President Bush. "I'm disappointed that he spoke against the rescue package that's vital to Virginia and vital to the nation," John Warner said during a...

If you have time this is worth watching. The fireworks really flew, Jim Gilmore took the bailout and beat Warner to a pulp with it. http://jimgilmoreforsenate.com/?q=node/541

RICHMOND, Oct. 4 -- Retiring Sen. John W. Warner said Saturday that he has not decided whether to vote for the Republican seeking to replace him, citing James S. Gilmore III's opposition to the $700 billion federal bailout of the credit markets. In a conference call with reporters, Warner (R-Va.) held out the possibility that he will vote for Democrat Mark R. Warner. The two Warners, who are unrelated, ran against each other in a 1996 Senate campaign but have since become friends. "I'm watching that race, following the positions of the two candidates," John Warner said. "There are cases...

In their most aggressive encounter yet, the two former governors disagreed sharply over the need for the $700 billion rescue that comes at taxpayers' expense. Warner said he would have voted for it, although the plan had flaws. Gilmore was flatly against it. "Too often in politics, the perfect can be the enemy of the good," said Warner. Failing to act would have created "economic turmoil across our whole nation," from the small business owner trying to meet payroll to the college student vying for a loan. "We didn't have the luxury of waiting," he said. Gilmore characterized the plan...

Gilmore repeatedly steered the debate back to the bailout, replying to a question about Congressional earmark funding by listing interest groups that get tax breaks in the financial rescue package. “Listen to some of them — Puerto Rican rum producers, wooden-arrow producers, Hollywood — everything was put in this bill to buy votes to get it passed,” Gilmore said. Warner compared the bailout to the budget Gilmore left for him. “You pushed off the budget shortfalls” on his new administration, Warner said. Warner, who earned a fortune in early days of the cell phone business, said he has the business...

Under the scenic roof of the Star City’s soon to be opened Taubman Museum of Art, the Senate candidates came out swinging --especially Jim Gilmore. Gilmore: “Mark, don’t talk down to me about how I don’t understand… You don’t understand. Warner: “Even though Governor Gilmore says he didn’t leave us with a budget shortfall, we all know that’s not true.” One issue dominated the debate tonight. “700-Billion dollars going to the high rollers on Wall Street,” said Gilmore time and time again. He segued from nearly every topic back to the bail out and his opposition to it. Gilmore rode...

ROANOKE | Far behind in the polls and desperate for a break in his U.S. Senate campaign, Republican James S. Gilmore III denounced Friday's federal bailout of the financial industry during the race's final debate and relentlessly attacked Democrat Mark Warner for supporting it. "It rewards people with $700 billion of taxpayer money and sends that money into the hands of Wall Street high rollers who in fact took risks and should not have taken those risks," Mr. Gilmore said during the debate, held at the Taubman Museum of Art. Combative throughout the televised and hourlong confrontation, Mr. Gilmore, 58,...

ROANOKE, Va. -- Far behind in the polls and desperate for a break in his U.S. Senate race, Republican Jim Gilmore denounced Friday's federal bailout of the financial industry and relentlessly attacked Democrat Mark Warner for supporting it in their final debate. "It rewards people with $700 billion of taxpayer money and sends that money into the hands of Wall Street high rollers who in fact took risks and should not have taken those risks," Gilmore said. Combative throughout the televised hourlong confrontation, Gilmore put Warner on the defensive several times, frequently cutting into Warner's rebuttals. Warner explained that while...

Gilmore come out strongly against the $700 billion plan, arguing in a concise way that it amounted to government run amok. Warner supported the bailout, saying it was needed to prevent economic turmoil. Warner tried to pin the need for Congressional intervention on lax oversight by the Bush administration and "greed" on Wall Street. Warner noted that both Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama voted in the favor plan, prompting Gilmore to say at one point, "I'm not in this for John McCain, I am in this for the people on the other side of this camera." For once, Warner's...

  October 3, 2008 For Immediate Release   THE CHOICE IS CLEAR: JIM GILMORE WHO FIGHTS FOR THE TAXPAYERS OR MARK WARNER WHO WILL FIGHT FOR THE HIGH ROLLERS ON WALL STREET Alexandria – Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, said today in a debate with Mark Warner on statewide television the choice for Virginia voters in the November 4th election is clear -- a U.S. Senator like Jim Gilmore who will fight for taxpayers and oppose federal government bailouts or a U.S. Senator like Mark Warner who...

Friday October 3 2008 Event: Richmond GOP Gilmore/Warner Debate Watching Party Date: 10/3/2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: The Richmond GOP debate party will be held at suite 403 of the Tuckahoe Condominiums, located at 5621 Cary Street (at the intersection of Three Chopt, Cary Street, and River Road in Richmond's West End near the Country Club of Virginia). Parking is free. You can park along the east side of the Tuckahoe Condominiums on Rio Vista Lane or across Cary Street on St. Catherine's Lane. About: Come join fellow Republicans this Friday, October 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m....

Mark Warner Not a Small Town Mayor The Collegiate Times, Virginia Tech’s student newspaper and a Campus Politico partner captured this video:“You know, heck, I haven’t been mayor of a small town,” Warner jokes in a speech discussing his qualifications for the Senate. “But I can see Maryland out my window.”He goes on further to say "I don't know about you here but I'm looking forward to an Administration in 09 that actually believes in Science" Watch to the end for a peek at Warner’s soon-to-be-famous dance floor moves as he dances like he has already won the Senate...

Former Gov. Mark R. Warner said he would have voted for the economic bailout bill yesterday, although he said it needed improvements. "There are real people with real homes with jobs whose lives are in the balance by the way this is playing out," Warner said. Warner, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Republican Sen. John W. Warner, was interviewed today by the editorial board of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The two Warners are not related. A strong favorite to defeat Republican Jim Gilmore, also a former governor, Warner said more regulations of the finance industry...

  Political Director's Update 10th Edition October 1, 2008 In This Edition: Statewide debate this Friday Voter Registration Deadline Absentee Voting Upcoming Campaign Events Weekend Door to Door     STATEWIDE TELEVISED DEBATE FINAL DEBATE OF THE CAMPAIGN Friday, October 3rd at 7:00 PM   "I told a lie thiiiis big!"  It's Mark Warner's worst nightmare! No liberal media to cover up his positions or polish his gaffes. No glitzy TV spots to hide the truth of his real record. Just him, Jim Gilmore, and a statewide audience. This is the opportunity we've been waiting for the entire campaign:...

--One of the candidates for Virginia's U.S. Senate seat would vote for the financial bailout bill currently being debated in Congress. The other isn't so sure. Democrat Mark Warner said this week that he thinks Congress has a responsibility to take action, although he'd like to see the bill contain more protections for homeowners. He also is glad that under the new proposal, there are higher limits on bank deposits covered by FDIC insurance. "The bill can be improved," Warner said, but "Congress has got to act. Not acting, basically playing Russian roulette with the American economy is just not...

Gilmore attributes the credit crunch to then-President Bill Clinton. Gilmore said the Democrat's policies caused a dangerous run-up in the housing market by encouraging banks and mortgage companies to lend to people unworthy of credit. Gilmore proposed three steps to stabilize the economy: strengthened oversight of the financial-services industry, tougher standards for lending and a "rigorous energy policy" -- one that prevents spikes in fuel prices that force some Americans to choose between filling up their cars and paying their mortgages. On energy, Gilmore repeated that the nation should allow offshore drilling for oil and gas, including along the Virginia...

Warner said he's convinced major federal intervention in the financial markets is needed soon. He said he understands the frustration of taxpayers who see the $700 billion bailout being discussed on Capitol Hill as a welfare program for Wall Street moguls, and he wants plenty of safeguards for taxpayers to protect whatever federal investment is made in troubled securities. But however justified taxpayers' anger is, Warner argued that they need to understand that the stakes are far higher than the balance sheets of Wall Street financial firms and their leaders. "Like it or not, we're all caught up in this,"...

If you are having trouble viewing this invitation click here   You are invited to a reception to support JIM GILMORE Candidate for U.S. Senate from Virginia Wednesday, October 8, 2008 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bull and Bear Club 901 E Cary Street, 21st floor / Richmond, Virginia 23219 HOST COMMITTEE: Dave Barrett Bill Goodwin Rick Sharp Linwood Cobb Bob Marcellus Gary Thompson Miles Dumville Max Pearson Chris Whyte SPECIAL GUESTS: Delegate Kirk Cox Delegate Christopher Peace Richard Glover Aubrey Stanley, Jr. Honorable David Kaechele Pat O’Bannon Delegate Jimmie Massie Elton Wade Senator Ryan McDougle Sheriff Mike Wade,...

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, says Washington shouldn't hurry into a bailout for Wall Street. Several hours before the Democratic-controlled House rejected President Bush's $700 billion plan, Gilmore said that if he were in the Senate, he'd slow down consideration of the rescue. That's because, Gilmore told the editorial board of the Richmond Times-Dispatch this morning, Congress needs to better understand the crisis. His Democratic opponent, former Gov. Mark R. Warner, meets with the editorial board Tuesday. Lawmakers should "buy some time to find out the reality," Gilmore said. He also said Congress is...

Mark Warner/Obama Like Plug and Play

INCREASED OIL/GAS PRODUCTION ANWR Development · Increasing domestic oil production from the vast reserves of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is a solid first step towards making American energy independent; the Department of the Interior estimates ANWR has between 10 to 18 billion barrels of oil. · ANWR is unique among potential energy solutions in that the cost for its development would be met by private industry. · The development of ANWR would foster immediate job growth around the country; estimates show that in Virginia alone between 3000 and almost 7000 jobs would be created. Offshore Drilling · We...

HARRISONBURG - Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, a Republican, is not ready to support the Bush administration's proposed $700 billion bailout of America's troubled financial institutions. Gilmore, seeking the seat now held by retiring Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said accountability has to be built into any plan to rescue such firms as insurance giant American International Group Inc. and other lenders saddled with billions of dollars in bad debt. Gilmore, who was in Harrisonburg on Monday to address the Rotary Club, made his remarks with six weeks to go before Election Day. Gilmore is facing another former governor, Mark Warner, on...