The Republican presidential field is getting a 17th candidate because… why not?
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination in 2008, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he’s jumping into the race the first week of August:
He 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. He added: “I bring to the table experience that others don’t have.”
Gilmore, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, was governor during the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. He later headed the Gilmore Commission, a congressional panel that advised Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush on domestic capabilities for terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction.
The former governor said he is particularly concerned about “the emergency internationally,” citing not just the so-called Islamic State, but Russia’s ventures in Ukraine and China’s moves in the South China Sea.
He also said he believes President Barack Obama’s economic policies have undermined what should be a “foundation of strength” for the nation.
Gilmore acknowledges that he won’t make the top 10 poll average for Fox News’ Aug. 6 debate, telling the paper those rules reward “the most flamboyant,” and “the most theatrical” GOP candidates.
Like others, he’ll be gunning for votes in New Hampshire.
He’ll join one more Virginia resident in the GOP pack: Carly Fiorina, who lives in Fairfax County.
When Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker jump into the field, that will bring the crop to 19 candidates. Should someone make it an even 20?
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