I am constantly shocked to learn that other people are shocked to learn things that are widely known.
To wit? Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore is running for U.S. Senate. From the Loudoun Tribune [1]:
“He’s accomplished nothing as governor and accomplished nothing in the United States,” Gilmore said. “That’s why I suppose (Clinton) picked him (for vice president). She wanted someone who wouldn’t offer anything.”
“The worst thing is not what he’s done, but what he’s failed to do,” Gilmore added. “What has he done? Don’t overlook the fact that Tim Kaine on this ticket is not really a proud Virginian that we can all be proud of.”
That naturally opens the door to either a 2017 or a 2018 run (as noted by the direct shots towards Tim Kaine).
Thus far, there have been four notables who have thrown their hat in the ring for a prospective run. Gilmore is the clear front runner in that pack, followed by former HP executive Carly Fiorina (who is currently deciding between U.S. Senate in Virginia or RNC Chair), former 2014 U.S. Senate candidate Shak Hill, and current Rep. Dave Brat (who apparently after 18 months got tired of being useless in the House… so now he would like to be useless in the Senate).
What is advantageous about Gilmore at this rate is the fact that Gilmore has the ability to unify the party, especially in the wake of the Trump candidacy. Gilmore can speak to both populists and conservatives, to folks in Southside just as easily as he can speak to defense contractors in Fairfax.
Gilmore’s record on cutting taxes, national defense, and national security all build into one reliable and remarkable trait for a politician — even under fire, Jim Gilmore keeps his word.
How’s that for a modern candidate?
Of course, Gilmore has been quietly laying this groundwork ever since he came off his nascent presidential run, taking up the RPV Victory Co-Chairmanship while travelling the commonwealth in support of the nominee.
Should Clinton-Kaine carry the election this November, obviously a number of timelines accelerate, but there’s no question that Gilmore is primed to secure the nomination if he chose to stay on that track.