Why Jim Gilmore Will Win Part 4
Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:58AM Military Service 
Serving in our military has almost been a prerequisite for every senator elected to a US Senate Seat during the last forty years Virginia history.
Only three of eight senators during that time were non-veterans, (R) William L. Scott 73-79, (R) Paul Trible Jr 83-89, and (R) George Allen 2001-2007.
Three of the Five veterans elected were US Marines, (R) John Warner 1979 - 2007, (also served in Navy), (D) Chuck Robb, 1989-2001, and (D) Jim Webb, 2006- present.
(D)Harry Floyd Byrd, Jr 1965-1983 was a navy veteran, and (D) William Sprong, 1966- 1973, Army-Air Corps.
As a personal note to how strongly I feel about the issue, one of the two Democrats I have voted for in my life was Senator Robb in 1988. I had just gotten out of the USMC, and while serving in Okinawa Japan; I spoke with a Gunnery Sgt, and Master Sgt, who served with Sen. Robb in Vietnam.
Both Leathernecks spoke highly of the Senator as an outstanding Marine officer, who would take his radio man to the front of the column when patrolling and leading attacks. That political support ended in 1994, as I supported another Marine Officer, Oliver North.
Only one of the three candidates for US Senate this year are is a veteran. I am proud to say that is Gov. Jim Gilmore. As Kilo points out here in another B4G posts:
"This is one reason I am supporting Jim Gilmore. In my opinion his national security experience is far above the other candidates. Gilmore has a impressive military background in Army Intelligence.
Jim Gilmore volunteered for the U.S. Army and won honors after completing training at the Army Intelligence School and Defense Language Institute.He was then assigned to the 650th Military Intelligence Group. Serving in Germany during the Vietnam War and fluent in German, Jim Gilmore played an important role in counter-intelligence work safeguarding the security of American bases in Europe.He is the recipient of the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service to NATO.(LINK) "
A distinct advantage that Gov. Jim Gilmore has in this election will be the ability to walk into any VFW, American Legion Post, Marine Corps, or Navy League Meeting Hall, and know that he belongs there. Virginia has many active duty, reserve, National Guard and retired Veterans that the Governor can appeal to on a personal level.
There is no better authority to vote on important matters such as defense spending, base realignments, veterans benefits, etc. than to be a veteran your self.
Gov. Warner can only offer up that he will defer to Senator Jim Webb on Military matters. What else does he have to say, he was selling cell phones, while Gov. Jim Gilmore was serving his nation?
Governor Jim Gilmore, Thank You For Your Service!
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Reader Comments (5)
The recent numbers are almost equal to those found in October, when Warner was leading 53% to 38%.
If I recall, Gilmore was against the surge. What is his position now that he knows it is successfull? Does Gilmore continue to advocate a percipitous withdrawal from Iraq?
What a choice. We end up with another Warner no matter who wins this fall.
Gov. Gilmore was not against the surge, his letter to the editor in the WaPo clearly states it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/17/AR2007061700943.html
"As you know from my public statements, I have supported your increase in troops in Iraq in the belief that a new initiative was necessary to bring the Iraq war to a successful conclusion. It has been my position that this troop increase should be given an opportunity to work."
Please read this article and I think you will find it thoughtful, and strategically correct. The greatest lesson of Vietnam was not getting the South Vietnamese fighting, and securing their own nation. This is not lost on Gov. Gilmore; a veteran who served in the US Army Intelligence field.
Please give it a read and continue the conversation if you like.
Thanks for the laugh.
Gilmore is toast. Virginians remember this administration as incapable of solving our problems.
jAMES:
it is noted you are anonymous, as you fail to leave an email or blog address.... you yourself offer no plans or ideals to lead Virginia forward.. only critcism