Jim Gilmore Explores White House bid

In what would be the entry of a bona fide conservative into the 2008 GOP field, the New York Times reports former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore's interest in a 2008 bid (note: a "Draft Gilmore" movement exists, its web site being found here.)

Gilmore, Courting Conservatives, Explores 2008 Bid
By Adam Nagourney

James S. Gilmore III, a former Virginia governor and chairman of the Republican National Committee, announced today that he would form a committee to explore a presidential bid in 2008, saying the Republican field lacked a “committed conservative” capable of making a credible campaign for the White House.

“A void exists,” Mr. Gilmore said in an interview. “There is just no conservative right now who can mount a national campaign.”

Mr. Gilmore, 57, was governor for one term, all that Virginia allows. He also served one year as chairman of the Republican National Committee before being forced out by the White House after clashing with Karl Rove, the president’s chief political adviser.

While Mr. Gilmore is not particularly well-known nationally, he and his associates argued that there might be a path here for a little-known candidate who could corral support of the party’s critically important conservative wing.