Ed Gillespie, we hardly knew yee (from the Va. Dems)

[underpants]

http://www.vademocrats.org/news/items/ed_gillespie_we_hardly_knew_yee/


Posted by Greg on Tuesday, June 12

It has been reported today that Virginia Republican Party Chairman Ed Gillespie will abandon his post before today's primary elections conclude in order to join George Bush's White House. The Washington lobbyist who talked so boldly just last week about hitting a "grand slam" in Virginia is now calling in a pinch hitter.


THE FACTS: Gillespie Leaves RPV in Disarray

Gillespie Fails to Unite Party and Stand Up to Partisan Extreme. Gillespie's failure to unite Republicans has created a Republican primary season marked by in-fighting. Instead of talking about the issues and their vision for Virginia, Republican incumbents have been forced to defend themselves from friendly-fire and charges of being a "'RINO,' or ‘Republican in name only.'" One conservative candidate has called the primaries a "battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party." The result of this infighting? Republicans lack momentum heading into November.

Gillespie's Tenure Marked by Possible Scandal. Observers of Virginia politics know that Republicans are beating back at least two possible scandals in the state. The first is in the 27th Senate District, where the Republican's own Mark Tate has raised questions into whether or not Gillespie orchestrated the use of secret Grand Jury testimony for partisan purposes. It's a matter that veteran RPV official Jim Rich (10th District Chairman) has said "needs to be looked into." The second growing controversy involves Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell (Regent U law grad), who was blasted by two editorials this weekend for failing to avoid the appearance of impropriety regarding investigations in his office.

Gillespie Raised Money Has Put Candidates in Compromising Position. While Gillespie is reported to have infused the Party with Bush money last month, he has put his candidates in the awkward position of having to accept money from an unpopular president. For example, will Sen. Ken Cuccinelli take Party/Bush money, even though Cuccinelli said he no longer considers Bush the leader of the Republican party? Will Del. Jeff Frederick, who said Bush is "dragging us down" and "crazy" on the issue of immigration, accept Gillespie's money?

[MADem]

1. The chinless wonder retreats behind the ramparts!! Raise the drawbridge!!