by Julia Torres Barden, special correspondent

Republican Governor Jim Gilmore,  was at the Republican Roundup event on Saturday, Sept. 27 where he also delivered his speech to a rally held for the general public. 

The (s) indicates comments delivered in his rally speech, (i) indicates remarks he made during a one-on-one interview. Visit www.jimgilmoreforsenate.com for his perspective on the issues of today such as transportation and healthcare.

“In the last five weeks I’ve traveled to over 90 cities and counties in this state. We have crisscrossed the entire state. We’ve seen virtually every part of the community of Virginia. We’re campaigning hard out there. Everywhere we go we talk to working men and women all across the state who don’t want their taxes raised, want to have job security and they want our leadership this coming November. The key issues are energy independence, reducing taxes. We keep our word, we keep our promises and that’s what we stand for as Republicans.” (s)

Bailout/Financial Crisis:
“I think it’s wrong for the taxpayers to be on the rope for $700 billion dollars because of the bad business decisions that other people made. I’ve gone back and looked at it and this policy actually began under the Clinton administration, with Secretary Robert Rubin, they basically directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to just insure anything. It’s a terrible situation. Congressman Cantor is doing what’s right and I’m going to do what’s right too.” (i)

Energy Independence:
“Energy is the central issue of my campaign.  We have to have a new energy program. It ought to have conservation in it, renewable resources, coal, refineries, nuclear energy and we have to drill for oil in the United States of America – in ANWR and offshore.” (i)

With regards to rising gas prices:
“I fill up my own car and I buy middle grade. I believe we can make sure Virginia gets back its gas money. However the gas tax is not the long term solution. So, we’ve got to use more public/private partnerships and we have to stop wasting money at the federal level.” (i)

Education:
“I think it’s time to put an end to No Child Left Behind Act. I’m saying I’m going to review it with an eye towards eliminating it.” (i)

Illegal Immigration:
“I chaired the national commission on homeland security for our United States government while I was governor starting in 1999 - three years before the 9/11 attack - and for two years afterwards. We identified the border problems as being very significant and warned the Congress about it. You’ve got to control your borders and you have to adhere to the law which means if people are here illegally they’ve got to go.” (i)

Iraq War:
“The surge seems to be working and that’s a step forward. We’re proud of our men and women standing up for us over there. We have a good chance of withdrawing at a reasonable pace and leaving an ally in place there. It looks like it’s going to work. There can’t be a timetable for withdrawal. We have to do it as conditions on the ground seem to be improving. And I do not support reinstating the draft.” (i)

Favorite places in Midlothian:
“I haven’t been to eat in Midlothian recently!”(i)

Favorite movie:
“‘No Country For Old Men’ ” is the last movie I saw.” (i)

How do you spend time with your two sons:
“We love playing golf, grilling, watching television and movies.” (i)

From U.S. Senate and Congressional seat races to the U.S. Presidential election, let us know what issues you’d like to ask the candidates. E-mail editor@midlothianexchange.com
Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 4.