Governor Jim Gilmore

Former Governor Jim Gilmore (Republican-Virginia) filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission to form an exploratory committee to pursue the Republican Party presidential nomination for the 2008 US elections. Governor Gilmore was elected in 1997 so he was governor when I lived in Arlington, Virginia thus I have first hand knowledge of his successful campaign to eliminate our dreaded "car tax" - congratulations and thank you again Governor Gilmore.

The last time I met with Governor Gilmore was in Berlin, Germany when we shared a dinner table at the European Regional Conference of Republicans Abroad in 2003. I was impressed when he was my governor and impressed with his one-on-one conversation that evening. Now four years later he has taken the first steps towards launching a campaign for president with an interesting combination of domestic/state level successes and foreign policy/intelligence experience.

For more background on Governor Gilmore see this website -- http://draftgilmore.org/

But enough on the governor for now, who is Governor Gilmore's "better half"? Governor Gilmore is married to Roxane Gatling Gilmore. Mrs. Gilmore's full bio is located at -- http://www.knowledge.state.va.us/main/welcome/roxane.htm

I am biased since I love to study history but I must say Mrs. Gilmore has impressive academic credentials as a college professor nearing completion of her PhD in Ancient History. One subject she lectures on today at Randolph-Macon College is "Roman History" which I always find to be an interesting subject since too many people have predicted the inevitable decline and fall of the USA much like the Roman Empire dissolved. Her volunteer work/role as First Lady of Virginia included working with the state's Department of Tourism to promote the state's historic venues and she is an active fundraiser for programs to combat violence and sexual assault aimed at children.

Overall, an interesting couple for voters to question during the 2008 selection process.

Todd