Second Casualty of the campaign

Since Gov. Tom Vilsack’s pullout on the Democratic side, all of the presidential candidates have been holding on despite some low fundraising totals and poll numbers.

Gov. Jim Gilmore of Virginia is the latest to give up his bid, citing an inability to raise the necessary funds to  advance his conservative message.  Gilmore did not rule out a future run for office, most likely the Virginia Senate seat if Warner steps down.  Gilmore has already shown his ability to win a statewide Virginia race, but Virginia may be leaving him behind.  Since Gilmore’s tenure, the voters in Virginia have elected Tim Kaine, a Democrat, into the Governor’s mansion.  Also, Jim Webb, another Democrat, was able to best George Allen for the Senate seat in ‘06.

Despite these successes for Democrats, President George Bush won the state by 8 points, 54-46 in 2004.  Since then, northern Virginia continues to grow and we shall see the effects of this growth in 2008.