Lest anyone forget, Gilmore and the GOP needed that record. Outside of Virginia, 1999 was not a Republican year. In fact, the elections of ‘99 were so bad that the good news in the Old Dominion was noticed from as far away as the editorial offices of the New York Post.
What are the lessons from this trip down memory lane? I can think of two. First of all, every legislative accomplishment Gilmore achieved in the first two years of his term – and arguably in the final two as well – he owes to Bob Marshall. Voters should remember that the next time Gilmore reads off his laundry list of accomplishments as Governor.
D.J. continues to make the worthwhile point that neither Gilmore nor Warner actually hold legislative experience.
Considering the 1998 session, one can’t help but recall the pivotal role Marshall played back then… leadership and experience we could certainly use to stiffen the spines of lackluster Republicans in Washington.