Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore made his White House bid official. Here are six things to know about the newly minted presidential candidate:
PARTY CHAIRMANSHIP
Gilmore, while still governor of Virginia, was tapped by President-elect George W. Bush in December 2000 to take over as chairman of the Republican National Committee. This was the culmination of Gilmore's quick rise through the party ranks. However, his tenure at the RNC was brief and was marked by Republican losses in 2001 gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and — worse for Gilmore — his home state, as well as clashes with White House aides, including Karl Rove, according to news reports.
ARMY SERVICE
Gilmore volunteered for the Army following his graduation from the University of Virginia in 1971 and he would go on to serve as a counterintelligence office in West Germany for three years. He speaks fluent German.
‘NO CAR TAX'
Gilmore campaigned in Virginia's 1997 gubernatorial election on a platform of ending the property tax on personal vehicles. It was a hit politically and buoyed him to a win over Democratic Lt. Gov. Don Beyer. Under Virginia law, Gilmore could not seek re-election in 2001.
‘MAKE IT GREAT'
Though it's entirely possible his dining preferences have changed in the previous 16 years, according to a 1999 Washington Post magazine profile of Gilmore his favorite restaurant is Pizza Hut. The story also notes he's a fan of Miller Genuine Draft.
FORMER DEBATE PARTICIPANT
With his late entry into the race and low name recognition, don't expect to see Gilmore on the stage for the first GOP debate on Aug. 6 limited to candidates in the top 10 of national polls. If he does ultimately qualify for a future presidential debate — which is far from guaranteed given the size of the field and likely restrictions on participation — it won't be his first. He took part in early GOP debates in 2007 before dropping out of the race in July.
OTHER VIRGINIA GOVERNORS IN WHITE HOUSE
It may be the longest of long shots, but if Gilmore won the White House he would become the fourth president to have previously served as governor of Virginia. The others? Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler. Tyler left office in 1845, so at least Gilmore can make the case that his state is due.
