Former AG and gubernatorial candidate Kilgore to chair Brownlee campaign

By JR Hoeft | Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 | Politics

Pretty big news coming from the Brownlee camp today:

Former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore announced this morning that he has endorsed John Brownlee’s bid to secure the Republican nomination for that post. Kilgore also announced that he has agreed to serve as General Chairman of Brownlee’s campaign.

“We need a strong candidate for Attorney General and that’s why we are here today,” said Kilgore. “It’s important for our Party and for our ticket that Republicans unite around the candidacy of John Brownlee.”

Kilgore noted that he had moderated several debates between the three Republican candidates for Attorney General this year, and had anticipated staying neutral until a nominee was selected on May 30. “However,” Kilgore said, “one candidate stood out at those debates. One candidate demonstrated an understanding of the office, an understanding of the issues and an understanding of how to win this campaign. That candidate was John Brownlee.

“I have been impressed with John’s abilities to attract supporters in every region of our Commonwealth. He has impressed me with his e-campaign and willingness to use new technologies in reaching voters….He will have the ability to bring together business and social conservatives and focus on the winning formula for the Attorney General’s office.

“John Brownlee already has run an office very similar to the Attorney General’s office. Like John, I served in the U.S. Attorney’s office. Like the Virginia Attorney General’s office, the U.S. Attorney’s office deals with much more than criminal cases. They deal with every civil matter that the United States becomes a party to in the respective district.”

Kilgore also mentioned the importance of Brownlee’s experience as a former prosecutor. “Virginians, for more than a quarter century, have elected an experienced prosecutor as their Attorney General when given the choice between a candidate with prosecutorial experience and no prosecutorial experience, and 2009 will be no exception.

“Importantly, John has worked with the entire law enforcement community in Virginia – federal, state and local. They understand his abilities and why he would be a great Attorney General. That’s why John has been endorsed by so many Sheriffs and Commonwealth’s Attorney throughout the Commonwealth.”

Brownlee said Kilgore’s decision to join the campaign was a “significant moment” that placed his campaign in a “unique position” going forward in the nominating contest.

“This is a man who has dedicated his entire life to public service….He served as Attorney General for nearly four years, and was a very successful Attorney General. His efforts led to a better and safer Virginia.

“This is a man who knows; he knows the job, he knows the people, he knows the challenges. And the fact that he would stand here today and put his seal of approval on our campaign means so much to Lee Ann and me.”

Kilgore, who was elected Attorney General by a wide margin in 2001, said he would take an active and visible role in Brownlee’s campaign between now and the Virginia Republican Convention on May 29 & 30.

“The Virginia Republican Party is at a crossroads,” concluded Kilgore. “As we near our Convention, we must unite behind the ticket that will not only bring us together as a Party but will win in November. That ticket should include John Brownlee as our next Attorney General.”

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