Jim Gilmore fights for the taxpayers

The choice is clear: Jim Gilmore fights for the taxpayers ... Mark Warner fights for the high rollers on Wall Street.

In a follow-up after Friday night's debate, the Gilmore campaign issued the following:

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 will sell out the taxpayers for the high rollers on Wall Street.

“I am strongly opposed to asking America’s hard working families to cover the bets of the Wall Street high rollers and insiders who exploited flaws in government regulations to make personal fortunes and devastate our economy,” said Gilmore.

Throughout the debate Gilmore repeatedly pointed out how as a U.S. Senator he will stand up for regular Virginians who are struggling and how Mark Warner will instead protect the special interests on Wall Street, rather than the taxpayers.

“Requiring taxpayers to cough up $700 billion without providing them any additional assurances for their own financial security is wrong,” Gilmore added.

Gilmore said Mark Warner supported the costly bailout of Wall Street while simultaneously taking in almost $3 million in contributions from the Wall Street high rollers who benefit from the taxpayer bailout. (Click here to see)

“Maybe Mark Warner finds it easy to take more and more of the taxpayers’ money, but I do not,” Gilmore said. “We must restore accountability in Washington – and on Wall Street – so America’s taxpayers are protected and our economy prospers.”

This third Virginia U.S. Senate debate between former Gov. Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner took place in Roanoke, Virginia. Sponsored by NBC affiliate WSLS Channel 10, the debate was held at the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke and was moderated by WSLS news anchor and political reporter Jay Warren. The debate was broadcast live on television stations statewide

Spread the word that Jim Gilmore is the only choice for conservatives in the U.S. Senate race.

Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Mark Warner and Big Labor

By Jim Gilmore

I spoke to the Harrisonburg Rotary Club today and raised a very important issue that came up in my debate on September 18 with Mark Warner before the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce: The fact that Mark Warner supports the so-called Employee Free Choice Act being considered by Congress!

You can view Mark Warner’s comments on this issue at the Fairfax Chamber debate – and my comments as well – and also Mark Warner’s remarks at a July 4th union rally in Northern Virginia.

The AFL-CIO has said that electing Mark Warner is their “major goal for the 2008 elections” and one of the reasons is Mark Warner’s support for this pro-union bill – also known as the Union Check Card legislation – which would undercut Virginia’s historic Right to Work Law and dramatically increase union activity in our state.

In addition to threatening Virginia’s Right to Work Law, I am convinced the Union Check Card poses a strong threat to Virginia’s small business and industries. The vast majority of union petitions filed and elections held in Virginia involve companies employing fewer than 100 people. Small businesses simply do not have the resources to contest organizing efforts and will be under the gun in their efforts to oppose this kind of union power grab.

Under Union Card Check, workers would no longer have the right to a secret ballot election so union organizers would be free to target workers with harassment and intimidation. All militant union organizers would need to do is gather signed so-called “union authorization cards” from a simple majority of workers. And union organizers would know which workers have signed cards and which ones haven’t, so independent-minded workers who dare to question the “benefits” of this increased union power would pay a severe price.

In addition to indicating his support for increased union power at the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Mark Warner was recently caught on videotape telling union officials that he would support the Union Check Card legislation sponsored by Ted Kennedy. Senator Kennedy openly acknowledges this legislation is designed to make it easier for union officials to establish themselves as the “exclusive” bargaining agents of employees, including union members and non-members alike, in currently nonunion workplaces in every state in the union, including Virginia.

Economic development specialists have noted time and again that Right to Work states like Virginia, where a relatively small share of employees are subject to “exclusive” union bargaining, enjoy a huge competitive advantage over non-Right to Work states where a higher share of workers are unionized. Low-union-density states like Virginia enjoy far faster growth in jobs, incomes, and opportunity for their working families.

As a former governor, Mark Warner knows that fact. But to obtain the support of the big labor unions, Mark Warner has now promised to work with Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama to undermine Virginia’s competitive advantage. And of course, the entire national economy would be seriously damaged by enactment of the Union Check Card bill.

Working with John McCain I can help stop this union power grab and this effort to undercut Virginia’s historic Right to Work Law. But I need your help! Under a President Obama, the last thing Virginia needs is another Senator who will kowtow to Big Labor. Mark Warner’s campaign is being flooded with union campaign cash and the big labor endorsements. I can combat his union support if I have your help!

Together we can stand up for Virginia. Please click on the link below and contribute to my campaign. Or, send your check today for $25, $50, $100 or even $500 if you can afford it. Helping save Virginia’s Right to Work Law and protecting our working families from harassment and intimidation is a very wise investment -- so please contribute to our campaign to stand up to Mark Warner and forced unionism today!

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Gilmore to Warner: "Be honest with Virginians"

On Thursday former Gov. Jim Gilmore, candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner took his opponent Mark Warner to task insisting it is time Mark Warner be honest with the people of Virginia.

"Bipartisanship is no substitute for honesty," repeated Gilmore, when Mark Warner addressed issues of taxes, drilling for oil, and Warner's support for undermining Virginia's Right To Work Law. "What the people want, --Republicans, Democrats and Independents, is a U.S. Senator who will keep his word."

Throughout the debate Gilmore called on Mark Warner to be honest with Virginians, reminding the audience and those watching at home on TV, that Mark Warner broke his promise to not raise taxes while governor, lied about there being a budget deficit in Virginia, and even hid a budget surplus to pass the highest tax increase in Virginia history.

"Be honest, Mark Warner, when you raised taxes in Virginia, not one dime went to Northern Virginia or transportation," responded Gilmore, when Mark Warner tried to give himself credit for transportation accomplishments in Virginia. "As U.S. Senator, I will make sure revenues collected for transportation through the gasoline tax will go to building more roads, not so-called ‘transportation enhancements', like lighthouses and critter underpasses."

The second Virginia U.S. Senate debate between former Gov. Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner took place in Northern Virginia. Sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, the debate was held at the Capital One Auditorium in McLean, VA, where Fox News Sunday's Chris Wallace served as the moderator. The debate was broadcast live on News Channel 8.

Jim Gilmore for Senate 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Gilmore reaffirms support of VA's sheriffs & VA's right to work law

Jim Gilmore addressed 75th Annual VA Sheriff's Association Conference Tuesday in Roanoke....

Gov. Jim Gilmore addressed the 75th Annual Virginia Sheriff's Association Conference in Roanoke, VA, on Tuesday. During the Conference, many sheriffs lauded Gov. Gilmore's public safety record and commitment to Virginia's law enforcement community while expressing support for his candidacy to the U.S. Senate.

During his remarks at the Conference, Gov. Gilmore reinforced his support for Virginia's right to work law and contrasted his position with his opponent, Mark Warner who will supports unionization of first-responders and has pledged support to the AFL-CIO for the union check card legislation, both of which will come before the Senate next year.

"We cannot have union bosses in charge of sheriff's departments," said Gilmore, during his remarks at the Conference. "My opponent is hiding his real position on unionization of first responders and will support the union check card proposal before the Senate next year - something that will completely undermine Virginia's right to work law."

In a show of support for Gov. Gilmore's Senate candidacy based on his results-driven record for law enforcement spanning back to his days as Commonwealth's Attorney for Henrico County and his expertise on national security, many sheriff's from across the Commonwealth expressed their support.

"As governor, both before and during the 9/11 attacks, Jim Gilmore provided law enforcement with the resources and tools needed to improve public safety across the Commonwealth. We need a Senator in Washington that understands firsthand what the needs of our law enforcement community are in order to maintain our country safe."

Sheriff Michael L. Wade, Henrico County....
"I have known Gov. Gilmore since he was Henrico County's Commonwealth Attorney, and his record dating back to those early days has always been one of great support for the law enforcement community. Furthermore, his public safety record has been one of great consistency and diligence. I am delighted to support him in his bid for U.S. Senate, because we are at a time where America needs consistent and diligent leaders in Washington.

Sheriff Mike Brown, Bedford County....
"As governor, Gov. Gilmore kept his promise to be a strong supporter of law enforcement at both the state and community level while remaining committed to Virginia's strong right to work laws. We need a U.S. Senator that understands the need for the federal government to respect the long-standing distinction between state and local responsibilities, and federal ones, in order to keep unnecessary federal regulations from being imposed on our communities."

Sheriff J.S. "Danny" Diggs, York County& Poquoson....
"I wholeheartedly support former Gov. Jim Gilmore in his run for the U.S. Senate. I believe at this point in our nation's history, our country needs strong conservative leadership in Washington. As former Chairman of the Gilmore Commission, Jim has the necessary national security experience our country needs and that Virginia will benefit from."

Sheriff Mark Armentrout, City of Radford....
While under Gov. Gilmore's leadership, violent crime in Virginia went down. Families, schools, businesses, neighborhoods, communities and Virginia as a whole became safer than they had been in a quarter-century or more. More law enforcement officers, educators and others were trained in preventing and responding to the threat of school violence, than ever before. Programs that specifically targeted gun-wielding criminals and high-level drug dealers posted notable successes. And drug treatment programs benefited from the largest infusion of money ever for drug-dependent offenders.

Jim Gilmore for Senate

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Where is GOP establishment to stump for Gilmore?

Chris at Mason Conservative asks some very salient questions about why the GOP establishment is not behind Jim Gilmore's campaign for U.S. Senate. While electeds have called for unity among the (oftentimes) fractured grassroots, they do not set the example by being united themselves. They are distancing themselves from our senatorial candidate, and the excuse I most often hear is that Gov. Gilmore is pulling down the ticket.

Where is everyone to stand up for Jim Gilmore? To campaign with him? To help raise money for him? Where is the GOP establishment?

A Senator with "sharp elbows," as Mason Conservative puts it, is exactly who I want in the Senate representing conservatives against the libs. When someone can explain this one to me, I will be listening.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Jim Gilmore's "Working Families Tour" on Thursday

Thursday's schedule for Jim Gilmore

9:00 am King George

10:30 am Montross
Rally at the Old Westmoreland County Courthouse
15803 Kings Highway
Montross, VA

12:00 pm Tappahannock Meet and Greet
Lowery’s Restaurant
528 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA

2:00 pm Kilmarnock Walking Tour
Kilmarnock Inn (start location)
34 Church Street
Kilmarnock, VA

4:30 pm Gloucester Working Site
Peace Frogs Inc.
7546 John Clayton Memorial Highway
Gloucester, VA

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, Virginia candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, will continue his Working Families Tour launched in early June by visiting more of Virginia’s towns and cities on Thursday, August 21, bringing his message of lower gas prices, lower taxes and trust to Virginia’s working people.

Gov. Gilmore will visit with working families in King George, Montross, Tappahannock, Kilmarnock and Gloucester.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Mason Conservative: Jim Gilmore was there to fight for the GOP

Chris over at Mason Conservative directs a post at Tom Davis and his -- should we call it bitterness? -- at not being the candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat.

Chris nails it and says exactly what I have been feeling about this race with his response to a commenter who (typically) blames conservative Republicans for the woes of the Republican Party. Chris responds:

If Tom Davis is mad at conservatives, he's mad at the wrong people. There were plenty of us rearing to go for him at the Richmond convention this year, and as Jim Gilmore's close victory of a state delegate proves, he was vunerable.

Things are easy when you're running unopposed or win by 30 points. When things got tough, Tom Davis went home. Jim Gilmore didn't. And maybe Gilmore gets demolished in November, but he made a fight out of this race when not one major player in the state GOP would. Not Cantor, Forbes, Drake, Allen, Warner, Bolling, McDonnell - none of them took on this fight. Gilmore did. So if Tom Davis is angry, he should be angry at himself. [emphasis added]

I am disturbed at the lack of Republican leadership to step forward and campaign on Jim Gilmore's behalf. It is time to expose Mark Warner, much as the man before the curtain was exposed in The Wizard of Oz. I maintain that Warner is vulnerable especially if the entire Republican Party of Virginia stood in solidarity against him.

That lack of solidarity has not gone unnoticed to the grassroots volunteers.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Today ... Jim Gilmore in Charlottesville

U.S. Senate candidate Jim Gilmore will be in Charlottesville today, Wednesday, July 30, at 2:45 p.m. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and welcome our Republican candidate.

Sam's Kitchen is located at 1403 Emmett Street (just south of the Rt. 250 bypass across from Bodo's). Drop by or, if you know you can make it, give a shout to Debbie.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Warner rock star treatment ... Staunton NL questions use of non-profit facilities

"How come Gilmore wasn't invited for a celebrity jaunt in the famous limo? " -- Staunton News Leader, 7/22/08

I can't believe I'm going to say this but ... I agree with today's Staunton News Leader editorial. In fact, I wrote about this issue twice last week on this blog, questioning the use of tax-subsidized non-profit organizations and city resources to welcome a political candidate who, in this case, happened to be Mark Warner who is running against my candidate of choice, Jim Gilmore.

The NL editorial board also looked questioningly on the red carpet treatment that was afforded Mark Warner at the expense of taxpayers. They wrote:

... what looked out of place was Beverley Street closed down so Warner could use a microphone outside the Dixie Theatre and tell his supporters what he would do for Virginia if elected. He didn't seem like a politician stumping for support — he looked more like a celebrity offering his fans cherished face time.

Not only was Beverley Street closed down but the parking in that entire block of the Dixie Threater was blocked the day before which disrupted shopping at all the stores along that end of the street. The microphone set up on the stage on the street that Warner used to address 50-75 people made me wonder if Democrats thought more people would show up ... otherwise, that small group could fit inside the Dixie Theater.

Saying they have nothing against candidates campaigning through the Valley, the News Leader added:

But when the city and publicly funded entities like the Dixie Theatre and Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library roll out the red carpet for a campaigning politician, something is wrong.
...
The Staunton Performing Arts Center put in the request to have Beverley Street closed, and it was done. Then he was whisked away for a ride in President Wilson's Pierce-Arrow for a trip to the presidential library. The pomp and circumstance would be wonderful for an elected representative who has actually gotten something done for the library, but for a candidate? How come Gilmore wasn't invited for a celebrity jaunt in the famous limo?
...
When taxpayer money supports organizations, their respective boards need to be careful how they get played by political parties welcoming candidates.

Wonder how much taxpayer money was spent to have police on standby and the street closed down ... wonder how much revenue was lost by local businesses who suffered through blocked parking on Wednesday and a blocked street on Thursday ... wonder how much it cost the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Blackfriars to open their facilities and welcome Mark Warner? How much did it cost to have the Pierce-Arrow carry Mark Warner around town?

And, most of all, I wonder who made the decisions for all of this to take place.

See McCloskey's political cartoon.
See Chris' post here.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Hollywood liberals backing Mark Warner

Mark Warner received financial donations from extreme Hollywood liberals such as Barbra Streisand, Norman Lear, and Bette Midler. Why, you may ask, are they interested in contributing to someone running for senator from Virginia? They want to see Virginia turn purple or even blue and are willing to put their $$ behind that to build a force nationwide.

When a conservative plunks down his/her hard-earned money to see one of these entertainers or their productions, Hollywood liberals are taking your money and using it against you in our senate race.

Hollywood liberals are backing Mark Warner who does not want to drill off-shore or in ANWR to relieve gasoline prices at the pump. Hollywood liberals are contributing to the stone-walling of preventing energy exploration in this country while foreign oil interests continue to rake in our fuel dollars and drill off our shores.

Do you want Mark Warner and his Hollywood liberal-backing friends to represent the people of Virginia? Or would you rather have Jim Gilmore from his blue-collar Henrico County, Virginia, background who has worked hard over the years to represent you while serving in the Army, while serving as a prosecutor in Henrico, while serving at Attorney General for Virginians, and then while serving as Governor where he campaigned on the "no car tax" promise ... and kept it?

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Jim Gilmore bloggers conference today

New Media Strategies sponsored a brick-and-mortar/phone press conference with Governor Jim Gilmore Monday afternoon. With 25 bloggers in the room and another half dozen on the phone, Jim Gilmore had the opportunity to address familiar issues and to address issues that were raised by those participating in the conference.

I would like to thank New Media Strategies for the invitation to sit in (by phone) on what I consider to be one of the better phone conferences I have participated in. It was, by no means, the first time Gov. Gilmore has met with the bloggers; in fact, this was probably the fourth or fifth time since the nomination process was decided. He has been very accessible.

The Governor has an understanding of the internet and bloggers, having chaired a committee that studied the possibility of internet taxation for three years. Not only did the committee debate the pros and cons of taxing the internet ... and, thankfully, they decided against doing that ... they created new policies on internet technology.

He also understands the importance of the internet in communication. Communication, he said, is everything ... especially in politics where it is essential to get the word out ... disseminate information ... be in touch with the citizens. Communication goes to the heart of it all. Bloggers are able to get the message to the people in a way the mainstream media cannot and often will not. Bloggers can begin a conversation and have ongoing debate while print media is limited in what it can do.

He reiterated his stand as he did at Saturday's debate at the Homestead ... trust and energy are his biggest concerns because the people of Virginia are in distress and expressed concern over high gas prices preventing home purchases and cutting deeply into their financial resources.

But the question that I found the most interesting was from a blogger who wanted to know what we should be doing for terrorism preparedness on the home front that we are not doing. Since Gov. Gilmore had chaired the Gilmore Commission on Terrorism prior to 9/11, he was very well-versed on what he felt we should be doing to be prepared for future attacks, and my interest is probably in the fact that homeland security is my number one issue.

Communication again came up ... he said the bloggers and the internet would be vital in disseminating information about a threat. He said people needed to be alerted to the nature of an attack, what to expect, and how to respond if there is an attack because it needed to be put it in the proper perspective to avoid panic. The internet could be essential to getting the word out.

Gilmore, who blogs at the Virginia Patriot and who was the only presidential candidate to have a blog last year, said he saw no reason to stop blogging if elected to the U.S. Senate because blogging offers a way to reach out and talk with people.

He talked a long while on energy and the need for the U.S. to become energy independent by drilling for oil and gas in ANWR and off-shore. The Chinese, after all, are drilling with the Cubans off our coast and, with 112 billion barrels of oil available in the U.S., drilling must be done. Other energy resources to be developed include conservation of energy, alternative resources such as wind power and solar, the use of coal and other natural resources, nuclear power, and building refineries. But the heart of the matter, he said, is to bring in that domestic oil that is available in the U.S.

Great phone conference, great opportunity to hear from Gov. Gilmore, and again I'd like to thank New Media Strategies for the invitation.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Energy, taxes, & trust dominate Homestead debate

Update from Jim Gilmore for Senate campaign about Saturday's debate at the Homestead....

Energy, taxes dominate first debate ... The News Leader:
HOT SPRINGS — Who do you trust, Virginia? That was the central theme Saturday as former Virginia governors Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner squared off in their first senatorial debate as they battle to succeed retiring Republican Sen. John Warner. Energy policy and taxes dominated the hour-long debate at the Homestead resort. Gilmore, the Republican candidate, repeatedly touted his plan to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and hammered Warner over tax increases during his term as governor, while Warner emphasized his opposition to drilling in ANWR and attacked Gilmore for his "Drill Now, Drill Here" approach.

"We have to have a United States that has a decisive energy policy," Gilmore said, which, he added, includes more domestic oil production by drilling in ANWR and starting increased offshore oil exploration.

Read more from The News Leader.

Who do you trust? Jim Gilmore kept his promise to reduce taxes. Mark Warner promised to not raise taxes and then broke his word. See Mark Warner's 2001 promise here.

Gilmore, Warner clash over tax plans, energy ... The Washington Times
Mr. Gilmore cited publicly available letters from 2004 from Virginia Secretary of Finance John M. Bennett showing that state revenues were on the increase prior to passage of Mr. Warner's landmark tax package - an initiative that contradicted Mr. Warner's campaign pledge. He also accused Mr. Warner of changing his stance on drilling to help reduce gas prices, saying the Democrat has only recently included offshore oil exploration in his energy plan.

Read more from The Washington Times.

Just like 2001, Mark Warner is changing his positions. See footage of Mark Warner shifting positions here. On the flip side, Jim Gilmore is a straight forward leader who does what he says he is going to do.

Gilmore, Warner mix it up at debate ... The Daily Press
Gilmore sought to pin down his opponent on offshore drilling, where the two men have fundamentally different views. Given voter outrage over high gas prices, it has emerged as the top policy issue and will likely continue to grab headlines as the campaign heads to the fall. Gilmore favors drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off the U.S. coast. He says increased domestic oil production is the quickest route to reducing the cost of gas because it will send a message to oil markets that the U.S. is serious about energy independence. Warner is against drilling in the Arctic because Congress set aside that area as a refuge and because of security concerns over the required pipeline. He favors lifting the federal moratorium on offshore drilling and allowing individual states to decide the matter. Gilmore said the Democrat's position on offshore drilling was "all fuzzed up."

Read more from the Daily Press.

Round 1: Gilmore scores one on Warner at Homestead debate ... SWAC Girl
Gilmore, in my opinion, hit the ball out of the park when he reiterated the 2004 tax issue. Gilmore said that in 2004 Warner pushed for a $4 billion tax increase that he had told Virginians he would not ask for and, while the issue was being debated in the General Assembly, his own secretary of finance notified him that state revenues were growing at an amazing rate ... 22.5% in March and another 22.5% in April ... but Warner kept that information to himself and did not tell the people of Virginia.

Read more of SWAC Girl's debate coverage here.

Jim Gilmore is a candidate you can trust to keep his promises to the people of Virginia. Mark Warner has a history of making promises and breaking them once elected. Let's elect a prinicpled leader who does what he says he is going to do.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Round 1: Gilmore scores one on Warner at Homestead debate

The mainstream media have turned in their reports on Saturday's debate at the Homestead between Republican Jim Gilmore and Democrat Mark Warner, and the general consensus was the debate was a draw.

Think about it. The MSM cannot bring themselves to say that Jim Gilmore scored more points and won that debate. The media's "protective bubble" around Mark Warner continues ... but Jim Gilmore is ready to pop that bubble with hard-hitting facts that, until now, have been mainly ignored by many in the press.

Gov. Gilmore punched hard at energy issues and the need for Virginians to be able to trust their leaders. At times he left Warner looking uncomfortable as the verbal barbs went back and forth between these two former Virginia governors ... one who has been scrutinized to the nth degree by the media ... the other who has been largely given a pass.

This debate was reminiscent of two years ago when the Virginia Bar Association hosted the Allen-Webb debate in the same room. Refreshments were set up outside the room so folks were able to mingle and talk while sipping a last cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage ... and snacking on a large Homestead cookie ... call it "breakfast dessert."

The actual debate set-up was different ... stage was at opposite end of the room than it was in 2006. While Allen stood on the left and Webb on the right sides of the stage that year, this time it was the way it should be for a Republican ... Jim Gilmore was on the right side and Warner was on the left. It was a good crowd and much media coverage.

The introduction:
Shortly after 11:00 the announcer welcomed everyone for being there and then, to introduce the candidates who were waiting out-of-sight, he first called Gov. Jim Gilmore's name. Applause, applause, applause ... but no Jim Gilmore. I was looking in the direction the media had their platoon of cameras pointed because I figured they knew something I didn't but after about 15 seconds or so and no sighting of Gov. Gilmore, I looked to the left -- nothing. Then back to the right, then scanned the doors to see if he was coming in from the back of the room and maybe shaking hands along the way. The applause died down ... still no governor. I laughed and thought to myself, "I've seen this in the movies!" The announcer told the crowd there was an audio problem so everyone talked amongst themselves as they waited. Shad Plank has the explanation of the audio issue that caused the delay.

The second introduction:
When everything was ready to go, the announcer again introduced, first, Gov. Gilmore and then Gov. Warner. They both came out to applause, waved at the audience, and took their places on stage. After a few instructions from the moderator, David Broder of the Washington Post, we were ready to go.

What stood out about Governor Gilmore's message?
I heard two themes from Jim Gilmore: who do you trust to keep his word, and energy.

Do you trust the man who told you 20 times to your face that he would not raise taxes, and then pushed through the largest tax increase in Virginia history (while the state was enjoying a substantial surplus), or the guy who said he would cut the odious car tax, and followed through by doing it?

Gilmore believes in tapping into domestic energy sources in ANWR and off-shore as well as renewable resources such as wind power and solar to ease the burden on Virginia's citizens.

What stood out about Governor Warner's message?
Mark Warner is lining himself up with McCain and John Warner. He mentioned their names throughout the debate while, interestingly, no Democrat names were mentioned except while answering the question about Al Gore's demands for climate change.

Warner had gimmicky words such as calling Gilmore's visions "gimmicks." When Gilmore held him to answering questions, Warner on several occasions resorted to saying Gilmore was "name-calling" to which Gilmore finally looked at him and said, " Saying you're a 'name-caller' is a way of calling names." Zing. The first question out of the box basically asked Mark Warner what made him think, after being defeated while running against Sen. John Warner before, that the citizens of Virginia wanted him now? The first thing out of Warner's mouth was, "John Warner is a great friend."

Mark Warner is definitely hoping to ride on those John Warner coat tails.

Largest tax increase in Virginia history:
Back to the largest tax increase in Virginia history, I am shocked the MSM hasn't picked up more on this subject. As I said before, many of them have kept Warner in a protective bubble since he was governor, not asking the hard questions or following through with research. Bob Stuart at the Waynesboro News Virginian has a good article in today's paper about the debate with equal scrutiny of each candidate.

When the candidates could ask each other a question, Gilmore, in my opinion, hit the ball out of the park when he reiterated the 2004 tax issue.

Gilmore said that in 2004 Warner pushed for a $4 billion tax increase that he had told Virginians he would not ask for and, while the issue was being debated in the General Assembly, his own secretary of finance notified him that state revenues were growing at an amazing rate ... 22.5% in March and another 22.5% in April ... but Warner kept that information to himself and did not tell the people of Virginia. He allowed the largest tax increase in Virginia history to go through even while he knew we were in a surplus. Why, Gilmore asked, didn't Mark Warner tell Virginians the state was doing well financially instead of digging deeper into their pockets for more taxes?

Warner's face turned red and little white splotches popped out on his jaw. His response? The legislature had the same access to those reports and numbers that he did, and then talked out his two-minute time limit with filler. Then Jim Gilmore looked at him and smiled, looked at the audience and said, "He didn't answer why he kept the citizens in the dark. It was a $3 billion surplus" (paraphrasing). I wrote in my notes at this point, "Warner looked uncomfortable." Jim Gilmore reiterated that need for trust between Virginia's elected officials and citizens.

Energy was another subject Gilmore was able to pound on because Mark Warner is vulnerable due to that 2005 veto of an off-shore drilling bill that passed the General Assembly and landed on his desk ... only to be deep-sixed by Warner. If that bill had passed, we would not be hearing that it will be another 10 years before we see any results from drilling; instead, we could now be down to six years or five years or less ... if Mark Warner had been proactive on the energy issue. But he wasn't, and Virginians are now suffering with $4-a-gallon gasoline.

Duck-and-weave: Warner would not give a straight-forward answer to whether he agreed with drilling off-shore. His answers were so vague that it was difficult to follow his thought process, and impossible to come to a definite conclusion. Is he ... or isn't he for drilling off-shore? He won't say "yes" or "no." Remember ... his reason for the 2005 veto for off-shore drilling was reportedly to keep the Sierra Club happy.

ANWR: Gilmore then reiterated his belief in drilling in ANWR which Warner is against. Did Warner explain why? No, but he said he was in agreement with John McCain on that issue. Riding coat tails again....

Is Mark Warner vulnerable? I believe he is for a number of reasons including his broken promises about taxes in 2004, his veto of the off-shore drilling bill in 2005, and other facts that will come out in the weeks ahead.

I have heard that Mark Warner is personable. That's wonderful ... but I am not voting for personality. I am voting for leadership ... and Jim Gilmore has that proven leadership. If we have bombs exploding in this country, I want Jim Gilmore's experience as governor of Virginia during the tragedy of 9/11 and his experience on the 9/11 Commission and in Army intelligence to help keep Americans safe. If we have terrorists exploding dirty bombs and flying airplanes into buildings here at home, nothing -- nothing -- else will matter because we will be dead.

Jim Gilmore won Saturday's debate on facts and issues.

The press crushed around Jim Gilmore for 30 minutes or more after the debate. I finally got this photo after seeing only the backs of media heads for a long while.

The media asked questions of Mark Warner, too, and then he left the room while Jim Gilmore was still surrounded and responding to media questions. Gilmore stayed and answered them all.

Previous article ... Busy Blogging Day ... Homestead debate and Churchville parade

Lunch....

What is not to love about the Homestead. The historic beauty of the resort that was begun in 1766 ... the beauty of the surrounding mountains (seen reflected in the windows) ... the coolness of the mountain air (although one thermometer read 94 degrees on Saturday) ... the slowed-down pace of relaxing and rocking on the huge front porch.... The Republican Advance will be held there in December ... the 25th anniversary ... and we will be back.

Photos by SWAC Girl & SWAC Daughter

Cross posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Gone to the debate....

I'm heading out this morning to the Jim Gilmore-Mark Warner debate at the Homestead. Set to begin at 11:00 a.m., it is a short drive west from my front door to the resort through the beautiful Alleghany Mountains. Since internet connections may be spotty, not sure if I'll be able to blog from there but will have updates later today.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Let the games begin! Gilmore-Warner debate Saturday at Homestead

Let the games begin! Saturday is the first debate between Republican Jim Gimore and Democrat Mark Warner for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. John Warner (R).

While polling numbers show former Gov. Gilmore trailing by double digits, no one should count him out of this game. Besides being a fighter, he has many facts on his side that have been conveniently ignored by many in the media ... and I am sure he will be pulling them out when he goes face-to-face with his opponent.

And before becomes too cocky about Mark Warner running away with this contest ... a reminder that almost exactly two years ago Sen. George Allen faced newcomer Jim Webb in the same ballroom at the Homestead. George Allen was the redwood of the Virginia Republican forest and everyone assumed he would win.

A few weeks after that debate history was rewritten, proving that even perceived giants can be toppled. We never know what information, tidbit, sighting, even some unknown word can bring a candidate to his knees.

So don't write off Jim Gilmore yet. We still have four months to go and, as proven in 2006, a lot can happen in four months.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Is Mark Warner vulnerable?

Is Mark Warner vulnerable in his bid for the U.S. Senate seat?

The press build-up of Warner has provided a protective bubble around him since his days as governor of Virginia.

After all, how else could he have gotten away with saying he would not raise our taxes, even going so far as to say, "You can ask me 20 more times and I will still say I won't raise taxes," and not be held accountable by the press when he pushed through the largest tax increase in Virginia history? How did he live to see another political day?

Without the press protecting him, how else was he able to veto an off-shore oil drilling bill for Virginia while Governor ... but not be held accountable for it now that he is running for higher office? At a time when gas prices are at an all-time high, he is now trying to suggest that he is for off-shore drilling. Read the fine print ... no, he's not ... but the press does not hold him accountable for it.

How else has Mark Warner been successful in spinning his record in the Governor's Mansion without being questioned by sharp-eyed reporters? While Jim Gilmore tries to set the record straight, the media turn a blind eye to it and continue to build up Warner.

But even with the media's help ... is Mark Warner vulnerable? Could he be defeated in November by Jim Gilmore, whom many have written off?

After seeing Warner in Staunton on Thursday, I believe the answer is "yes."

First, the newspapers built up Warner's appearance in Staunton as if the queen herself was arriving. Twenty-four hours in advance, they blocked off parking on the street where the event was to take place. The day of the event they closed the entire block to traffic. Why block parking the day before, which was a huge disruption to downtown shoppers because I was there and heard the grumbling, when the entire street was going to blocked off anyway? And by blocking parking one day and then the entire street the next, traffic to those local shops was disrupted.

Second, the turnout was low after such a build-up. When I saw the entire street blocked off, I was expecting a hoard of people, figuring the Democrat phone banks had been working overtime to turn out supporters for this all-important event. Only about 50-75 people showed up, and some of those were curious on-lookers and others were the local Democrat activists including Unit chairs who show up at everything. After the build-up in the newspaper, to have so few show up was interesting. If Warner is so popular, why didn't more ordinary citizens turn out?

The city of Staunton seemed to roll out the red carpet for this guy -- street blocked off, police officers on standby, Woodrow Wilson Pierce-Arrow taken out of mothballs to drive the man around town, Blackfriars' actors dressed in costume to welcome him to the theater, musicians on the street entertaining supporters before his arrival. Why? And should we expect equal treatment when our Republican candidates come to town? After all, Jim Gilmore is a former governor of Virginia, too.

Reports from Warner's Rockbridge Fair appearance were the same ... only a dozen or so supporters turned out to greet him. Even though Jim Gilmore was not there, his supporters equaled those for Warner.

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace is a tax-payer entity and, yet, they allowed a political event to take place in their ranks. As a taxpayer who supports the Republican candidate and whose tax money is used to support that tourist attraction, I want to know why they allowed a political event to take place on their grounds. (Warner went there after his speech on Beverley Street.)

So my question would be ... is the Virginia press corps building up Mark Warner to keep him in that protective bubble of illusion to the public causing a perception that he is bigger and better than he really is?

The Waynesboro News-Virginian had a front page story complete with two photos -- one large, one small -- both in color. I feel certain Staunton was equally favorable toward the Democrat nominee.

Since many in the mainstream media are not interested in exposing Mark Warner for his dismal record on taxes and his veto of off-shore drilling, it will be up to the Virginia bloggers and citizens to get the word out to voters.

The citizens of Virginia cannot afford to have Mark Warner representing us in Washington. We are in an uphill battle against the media and money. However, in the words of Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, we can be outspent ... but not out-worked.

Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Gilmore supporters greet Mark Warner in Staunton

Gilmore supporter stands on Staunton's Beverley Street while Mark Warner (background) talks with media on Thursday.

Mark Warner arrived 30 minutes late, walking right by the Gilmore supporters.

Gilmore supporters were standing in front of Zelma's Vintage Clothing store. The front window was decked out with Gilmore and "Win the War" signs. Located on Beverley Street, it was several doors down from the Dixie Theater, site of the Warner happening.

Mark Warner greeting supporters in Staunton.

The entire block of Beverley Street was closed off. The old restored Pierce-Arrow from the Woodrow Wilson Library and Birthplace was parked in front of the Dixie Theater with a make-shift stage on the street in front of it. When I first saw the entire block reserved I thought they were expecting hoards of people. Accoustic musicians were playing music as folks showed up but the crowd only materialized to between 50-75 people ... and a few bewildered tourists who asked, "What is going on?" Out-of-towners had no idea who the political players were and just smiled and moved on to shop.

Mark Warner addressed supporters. It was 3:30 and hot ... temps in Staunton were around 90 degrees ... and there was no shade in the street so I hope he didn't talk too long. We left right after I took this photo.

Next time Jim Gilmore is in town, we will have to ask the city of Staunton if they will block off the street, put bicycle police on duty, and let us have the Pierce-Arrow for a spin around the block just as they did today for Mark Warner. Do you think they will do it?

Thanks to Gilmore supporters for helping out with the last-minute plans to "greet" Mark Warner, and to Staunton Gilmore coordinator Alex Davis for his help.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate 2008

Jim Gilmore & Mark Warner ... a tale of two taxes

RPV release....

No story is more emblematic of the mainstream media’s love affair for higher taxes than the manner in which Virginia’s two U.S. Senate candidates are portrayed.

On the one hand you have Jim Gilmore, who promised to cut taxes for Virginians, and did so with a vengeance. Jim Gilmore fought for and won the largest tax cut in Virginia history, and was still able to oversee a booming Virginia economy, an improvement in public safety, and a balanced budget.

Democrat Mark Warner promised to not raise taxes, but after he was elected, well… who keeps promises anyway? Mark Warner pushed through the largest tax increase in Virginia history – breaking his promise, soaking Virginians to the tune of over $1.3 billion in higher taxes, and winning the love of many in the press to boot.

There is no getting around it; Mark Warner did not tell the voters of Virginia the truth, either before or after his huge tax increase. Yet he gets the kind of favorable press you’d normally see for a politician in the old Soviet Union. Why?

The fact is, the mainstream media (most, not all) love higher taxes and more government. But the people of Virginia are not going to get the truth from most news outlets, which is why it is so important for you – the GOP grassroots – to tell people the truth about the candidates at every opportunity. If we help get Jim Gilmore’s message out and explain the truth to people, this campaign could turn around very quickly!

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Gilmore to debate Warner Saturday at Homestead

First Virginia U.S. Senate Candidate Debate to Talk Place At The Homestead

Alexandria – Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, Virginia candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner, will debate his opponent Mark Warner at the first debate of the campaign, this Saturday, July 19th at 11:00 a.m.

The debate which is hosted by the Virginia Bar Association will take place during their annual meeting at the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. Political columnist, David Broder, will serve as the debate moderator.

All credentialed media are welcome to attend.

WHO: Former Governor Jim Gilmore, U.S. Senate candidate
WHAT: First Virginia U.S. Senate Campaign Debate
WHEN: Saturday, July 19, 2008
TIME: 11:00 am -12:15pm

WHERE: The Homestead –Grand Ballroom
1766 Homestead Drive, Hot Springs, VA 24445

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate

Gilmore has the facts ... M. Warner can't rewrite history

Money can’t change the facts about Warner’s record
By Delegate Kirk Cox

Mark Warner has raised a lot of money and is using it to bombard TV screens trying to rewrite history. His message – you can depend on him for good fiscal management because I turned a budget deficit I inherited from my predecessor into a budget surplus and saved Virginia! Send me to Washington, where I will do the same! – doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

I served on the House Appropriations Committee during Mark Warner’s term as governor. Here are the facts he would like you to forget.

Virginia is a balanced budget state. The General Assembly must pass and the governor must sign a balanced budget. Warner’s predecessor, Gov. Jim Gilmore, submitted a final budget that was balanced as required by Virginia’s Constitution.

It was only two years later that Mark Warner decided he needed to raise taxes because he did not have enough taxpayers’ money to spend.

A recent Warner TV commercial claims he cut spending, but state budgets rose 24.7 percent during his term. State spending in the Gilmore years rose at a much slower pace.

Mark Warner was able to manage spending increases by raising taxes, while Gov. Gilmore worked to reduce your car tax by 70 percent. Mark Warner actually promised to get rid of the car tax completely while governor. Just another fact he tries to keep from voters.

Mark Warner does have one true claim to fame – he raised our taxes $1.3 billion, the largest tax increase in Virginia history.

While running for governor, Mark Warner repeatedly promised Virginians there would be NO tax increases. Many times he said, “I will not raise taxes; I will not raise taxes!”

Based on his record in Richmond, Virginians now know we can depend on Mark Warner to help raise taxes if he gets to Washington.

Mark Warner also talks a lot about his ability to manage Virginia’s finances. He “managed” by raising our taxes and spending more. The facts show that administrative inaccuracies and misrepresentations by his administration went hand-in hand with his tax hikes.

In early 2004, he claimed there was a huge budget shortfall – as much as $1 billion. But by May, it was obvious Gov. Warner was rushing the General Assembly to enact his tax hike before his administration released new numbers showing large state revenue increases. Less than two months after his tax increase budget passed, Virginia ended fiscal year 2004 with a $324 million surplus!

Facts don’t lie.

By June 2005, the Commonwealth finished fiscal year 2005 with another surplus of $545 million. In December 2005, Gov. Warner yet again revised the 2004-2006 revenue forecast by adding another $1.4 billion.

The cumulative increase over Warner’s original budget forecast (excluding his $1.3 billion tax increase) was $2.8 billion in revenue growth.

In June 2006, the Commonwealth completed fiscal year 2006 with another surplus of $147 million.

In total, between 2004 and 2006 state revenues grew by $3.8 billion – or 211% over the original Warner (mis)forecast of December 2003.

His “good” management forecast – being off by a whopping 211 percent – laid the foundation for his $1.3 billion tax increase so he could increase spending by 24.7 percent during his term as Governor.

Because of this “inconvenient truth,” Mark Warner has raised lots of money from those who benefited from tax increases and is now investing those dollars in TV ads that try to change the facts. His pledge to go to Washington to work in a bipartisan manner will likely be as valid as his broken promise, “I will not raise taxes!”

No matter his claims, he will have constant pressure from the far left to do away with the Bush tax cuts and support government-run universal health care. The first vote Mark Warner would cast as a senator would be for Harry Reid or worse as Senate Majority Leader. He also would support every big-government, high-spending Democrat chairman from Barbara Boxer and Robert Byrd on down.

Jim Gilmore kept his word as governor as he fought to reduce our taxes. Jim Gilmore will do what he promises.

Send Jim Gilmore to Washington to put his tax cutting and strong national security background to work for the people of Virginia.

Kirk Cox is a Virginia Delegate from the 66th District, which includes Colonial Heights. He is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Jim Gilmore for Senate