Jim Gilmore won.
We’ve got a tough fight ahead of us to beat Mark Warner and Jim is going to need all the help we can give him.
Jeff Frederick has a lot of people excited about his potential to clean house at the RPV and set us up for a winning future.

I’m tired but Joe at NovaTownhall has the inside scoop up and some wit and wisdom along with it.

In this photo from the Republican Convention in Virginia, May 31, 2008, former Gov. Jim Gilmore addresses the delegates, as he appears on two large TV screens so that delegates in the back can see. Also on the podium are people who seconded his nomination.

My interview with Gov. Jim Gilmore following his narrow win over Del. Bob Marshall

Hear more great podcasts from Bearing Drift by using this feed.

 

 Gov. Jim Gilmore - RPV Convention [3:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (967)

Votes coming in for Senate…
1st: 643.27-490.73 for Marshall (confirmed)
2nd: 612-345.6 for Gilmore (confirmed)
3rd: 121.83-75.16 for Gilmore (confirmed)
4th: 382.53-319.45 for Marshall (confirmed)
5th: 666.17-419.65 for Gilmore (confirmed)
6th: 530.62-507.47 for Gilmore (confirmed)
7th: 1035.79-581.52 for Gilmore (confirmed)
8th: 156.96-145.04 for Gilmore (confirmed)
9th: 551.78-335.22 for Gilmore (confirmed)
10th: 584.5-160.5 for Marshall (confirmed)
11th: 1137-577 Marshall (confirmed)

Gilmore wins, 5222.73 to 5156.97.

Jim Gilmore speaks with the media following his victory.

Chairman’s Race
1st 579-544 for Frederick
2nd
3rd
4th Frederick
5th Frederick
6th 736-225 for Frederick
7th
8th Frederick
9th Frederick
10th Frederick
11th

….
3:39 p.m. John Hager is coming to the podium. No vote totals given out. He asks to elect Jeff Frederick by acclimation.

RPV had an interesting set-up for the media to begin the day for the media, but …

…we eventually did get tables and power strips. Just some pre-convention “fires” that have a tendency to crop up.

Jerry Kilgore stopped by and jokingly said that he might throw a monkey wrench into things and run as an consensus candidate for either Senator or Chairmain. Who knows…someone might take him up on the offer.

Still undecided? Or, are you just curious about learning more about the candidates? Then listen one more time to our podcasts with the candidates and check out our series of questions with Frederick and Hager. Also, don’t forget to answer the poll on the sidebar!

Podcasts
Jeff Frederick
John Hager
Jim Gilmore
Bob Marshall

Q&A with the RPV Chairman Candidates
What three tangible things can we offer voters as Republicans?
What are the Democrats doing well?
What grade would you give our current grassroots organization?
Will you commit to serving a full term as Chairman?
Polls show people oppose tax increases, but Mark Warner remains popular. Explain.

So sayeth Quin Hillyer of the American Spectator today.  Here’s the money quote:

John McCain is not a conservative champion. But he deeply believes, and strongly champions, many conservative principles, many Goldwaterite principles. We certainly could do worse than to be stuck with him as our own, infuriating, headstrong, bullying, honor-obsessed, indefatigable, and sometimes downright inspirational SOB.

Read the whole thing and tell me what you think.

Hager and Frederick take on the Question of the 2008 cycle:
Polls show people oppose tax increases, but Mark Warner remains popular. Explain.

Who me? Live-blog?

Yes, it’s true: Mr. “I only do podcasts” fancy pants has decided to go “mainstream” tomorrow with Vivian Paige over at the Shad Plank in a pre-convention(s) free-for-all.

From 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vivian, veteran political reporter (whisper: “old”) Hugh Lessig, and myself will be taking your questions and offering our oh-so-insightful thoughts (*rolls-eyes*) on the politics and coverage of the upcoming two commonwealth-wide love-fests.

I’m not telegraphing anything, am I?

So, head on over to the “stinky fish” wrap at around 1:30 p.m….it’ll be fun! (And I’ll need back-up!)

Update (5-30, 2:30 p.m.)…just finished up with Vivian and Hugh and had a great time. The “Cover-it Live” feature is a must have for any blogger. I’m going to try and use it tomorrow.

Will you commit to serving a full term as Chairman?

Obviously, Mark Warner doesn’t mind making us pay more taxes. His taxes? That’s another story.

U.S. Senate candidate and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner belonged to partnerships that were delinquent in paying property taxes at least 17 times during the 1990s, amassing more than $3,000 in late fees. (Washington Times)

The millionaire couldn’t find his checkbook?

In a recent letter to the editor at the Suffolk News-Herald, the editorial page editor printed a letter with the headline “Forbes Misusing Taxpayer Dollars.” As you can imagine, that caught my attention.

John Hager and Jeff Frederick, candidates for chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, continue to answer questions in advance of this weekend’s convention:

What grade would you give our current grassroots organization?

John Hager and Jeff Frederick face off, and the topic is - our friends the Democrats!

What are the Democrats doing well?