Chairman Ed Gillespie

Bearing Drift reports Ed Gillespie will be the next Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.  I contacted two members of the RPV Steering Committee this morning, one told me he was in fact the "favorite" and now another person has said they were counting votes and Ed has the most.

Very interesting choice.  This seems to be more about George Allen keeping a hand in the 2008 Presidential process in Virginia, especially the early primary here, and less about the 2007 General Assembly elections.  It will be interesting to see if Gillespie will show any interest in Richmond politics before the Governor's election in 2009.  Also it remains to be seen if he will take any more interest in the blogosphere than Kate did.

One thing Ed certainly brings to the table is a direct line to the White House, which will serve him well in calming down increasingly warring factions in the state GOP.  Nothing like a Chairman of a state party who can call up the President anytime.

Comments

[Mason Conservative]

I highly doubt George Allen can come even close to the presidential nomination. Not only did he lose, but he lost a race he should have won-and plenty of Republicans aren't happy about it, becasue he did it to himself. So I doubt Allen will be in the mix for '08.

As for Gillespie, let me say this. He's not afraid to go anywhere with the GOP message. I remember in 2004, Gillespie was the only member of the Bush campaign team that would go to places like MTV and the Daily Show-real hostile enviroments for a Republican-and do well. He did a great job running the RNC, winning in the House and Senate. It remains to be seen if he will get into the down and dirty of individual delegate races and ensuring we have good candidates and that they have enough money. THAT will be the test. If he skips 2007, it will be a mistake.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Mason, it has nothing to do with Allen getting it.

It has everything to do with him having influence to help decide who does get it.

Hear ye Hear ye...ethically challenged Republican Lobbyists scury out of Washington and head for Richmond!

http://www.citizen.org/documents/Gillespie_June.pdf

[Not Harry F. Byrd, Sr.]

From my point of view, I view this as Allen keeping himself in control of the RPV so that he can do a comeback in '08 or '09.

It's really a bizarre choice because it makes no sense in terms of Ed Gillespie's career unless its seen as perpetuating George Allen's influence in the Old Dominion.

[Breaux]

Oh that's a good point.

[not gretchen bulova]

I could easily see Ed forgetting about '07 elections and focusing on Federal elections. Big Mistake.

[phriendlyjaime]

Oh my GOD...

PLEASE run Allen for Prez, and PLEASE give him the nom. This way, we can run a 4 year old and take the White House.

[Terry]

If Ed forgets the state elections in 2007, and the Dems somehow manage to takeover the VA Senate, won't that give them authority over redrawing districts in 2010?

Once again, obsession with national stuff screws Virginian Republicans.

Let's not forget that some Republicans in the past have mentioned Gillespie as being a possible statewide candidate. This is a way for him to get known by the grassroots activists.

I find it difficult to believe that a former Chair of the RNC would have a real interest in heading up the Virginia GOP unless it somehow benefits him -- not George Allen -- personally.

[Not Jack Herrity]

Terry, they have to take over both houses to have free reign in redrawing district lines, which will be done in the 2011 session. Taking over the Senate just means there is yet another fight between the two houses when it comes time to redraw the boundaries.

NJH

[not gretchen bulova]

NJH - Why don't you take over RPV? You seem reasonable.

[Too Conservative]

This has nothing to do with Allen for president.

this has to do with us keeping Virignia in the R column for the NEXT gop candidate....who will not be allen

[anon factor]

Anon 2:15 is the only one who seems to get it.

If the RPV Steering Committee member who is "counting votes" said that Ronald Reagan was a candidate for Chairman, I bet Reagan might have the most votes.

That doesn't make Reagan any more likely to take the job than Gillespie.

Gillespie is a "party" guy, not a "candidate" guy. I would bet it has more to do with the fact that Virginia is becoming a clear PURPLE state, and he is the best guy to put Virginia back in the red. Gillespie will support whatever candidate wins the primary.

Allen 2009. How are you guys missing this?

Gillespie won't run for office. He excels at being the puppet master rather than the puppet. The puppet gets scrutinized while the puppet master simply moves on.

[Terry]

NJH, thanks. My knowledge on STATE politics is a little lacking. My point still stands though, if Ed Gillespie slacks off in 2007, the GOP is screwed when it comes time to redraw the districts.

Not saying that isn't part of the plan, 2:33. Just saying it isn't the reason.

[FortyFour]

Phriendly,

C'mon now, you know a four-year couldn't win the White House. That type of candidate is simply not constitutionally eligible!

Yep, need a slick lobbyist in charge of the operation. Maybe naming rights to the Republican legislative majority can be sold...

Good. Bring out the dirt on Gillespie then.

We will NOT let this state go back to red; it is purple now, and it will only get more blue. NoVa will continue to grow while people move out of the southern parts of VA. We will rule VA with democratic fists.

Muuuuuuuuuwaaaaahahahahaha!

doesn't seem like there is dirt... mostly hear good things... gets along with both sides, makes friends and not enemies

What an odd move on Gillespie's part if interested. Sort of a step down, I think.

Yep, a lot less money and influence working here. I don't think he will accept it.