You might think that John Kasich's entry into the 2016 race means that the GOP clown car...I mean, presidential field is finally set at 16. But you'd be wrong, because still they keep trickling in. Although, I can't blame anyone for not noticing this one. After all, this guy ran for President back in 2007 and was already out of the race by this point that year. But guess what, he's back for more:
Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore filed the paperwork on Wednesday to join the race for the Republican presidential nomination, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Gilmore becomes the 17th candidate to seek the 2016 nomination, a field that includes former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, businessman Donald Trump and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
Yep, apparently George Pataki is no longer the most obscure, long-shot contender in the GOP clown car. Kudos, George!
The big question, of course, is exactly why Gilmore is running again. After all, his recent electoral history consisted of his here and gone in an instant previous presidential campaign, followed by his disastrous Senate campaign the following year, where his gubernatorial successor Mark Warner destroyed him by nearly a 2 to 1 margin. So what's your reason this time, Jim? Please explain:
In an interview published July 7, Gilmore said he does not think any other Republican candidates have addressed what he considers the vital national security and economic concerns facing the nation.
“I don’t think we’re addressing the threat to the country,” Gilmore said. “I bring to the table experience that others don’t have.”
Sorry, Jim, not good enough. If you're not as hysterical about Iran and whatnot as Lindsey Graham and Mike Huckabee, no one's going to pay much attention to you.
Needless to say, Gilmore's chances are no better than they were eight years ago. But he has hope!
Gilmore’s chances for success are remote, especially given the likelihood that he will not qualify to appear in the first GOP presidential debate next week in Cleveland, in which only the top 10 candidates in national polls will be given a spot on the stage.
He said he hopes to participate in a forum sponsored by the New Hampshire Union Leader the same night. He said he has “people on the ground in New Hampshire.”
Why do I have a feeling those "people on the ground" he speaks of can be counted on the fingers of one hand?
So that makes 17. And we may not be done yet, if Bob Ehrlich takes the plunge. Because heavens knows we need another washed up loser ex-governor to complete with Gilmore for the spot in the cellar.