Share

IowaPolitics.com: Gilmore makes candidacy official
4/26/2007

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com

DES MOINES -- It is a candidate's duty to compare and contrast himself with fellow presidential hopefuls, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore said Thursday during the official announcement of his candidacy for president.

"I have run as a conservative candidate and I have governed as a conservative," he said. "Where you have been is probably where you are going to be. People need someone they can count on and who is reliable."

Gilmore made his official announcement during a live Web cast from the Republican Party of Iowa headquarters.

It is Gilmore's second visit to Iowa since he raised eyebrows at the RPI's April 14 Lincoln Dinner. Gilmore was very critical of the GOP frontrunners in the chase for the Oval Office. Gilmore used his April 14 speech to takes jabs at candidates from both parties. However, he said that is something a candidate must do as a service to the voters.

He stressed this election should not be about money, it must be about a candidate's record -- and Gilmore touted his "Reagan conservative" background during his official announcement. He used his announcement to point out fellow Republicans seeking the GOP nomination have wavered on their positions in the past. Gilmore said it is not wrong to point that out to voters.

Gilmore wants America to secure its border and not grant amnesty for immigrants living within the U.S. illegally. He was also very critical of the Democrats' stance on setting a timetable for departing Iraq.

"I think it is unfair and wrong and not supportive of our troops," he said.

Though he does not boast the name recognition of the top-tier candidates, Gilmore stressed the process is quite lengthy.

"This is a long race," he said. "There is time."

He intends to build off the momentum from the announcement and be a recognizable face in Iowa.

"I congratulate Iowans for the role they play in American politics," said Gilmore, adding he plans to campaign hard within the state.


Printer-friendly version      Send this article to a friend      Share