Ed Gillespie is a nice man. He is a talented, experienced lobbyist and money raiser. He is dedicated to his Republican principles. He aspires to elected office. However, he can’t get elected in Virginia.
Ed Gillespie is running for Governor of Virginia. Last year Ed was the standout loser in a historic national Republican tidal wave win. Republicans won in liberal Maryland and Massachusetts, but Ed lost in Virginia. He gets points for trying, but no “W” for the team.
It’s the team that matters.
When a coach says to an athlete, “Take one for the team,” we all know what that means. The gifted athlete sets aside personal gain and glory to sacrifice for the team so the team can win. So, we can all win.
He won’t get elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2017. No matter how differently he feels these days, Ed is the poster child for Mr. Establishment Republican. He is a successful super lobbyist. He is the consummate Insider among the people who go from government to Washington lobbyist, back and forth. Virginia voters are fed up with Washington Insiders and the political ruling class. His track record, however successful, renders him unelectable.
Ed will be shredded for his help on immigration because he lobbied for Tyson’s Food.
Ed will be gutted for his views on ObamaCare and RomneyCare because he lobbied for Gov. Mitt Romney, and for what he wrote in his book regarding the “Individual Mandate.”
Ed will be smeared for Corporate Greed and Crony Capitalism because he lobbied for Enron and others.
Ed will be whispered against for his position during the Senate race to allow girls of any age to buy the “pill” over the counter without medical supervision.
Ed will be mocked for his connections to President Bush and Karl Rove, and his comment about being a “friennemy” (friend – enemy) to then DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe.
Ed will be branded as a Washington Insider with a Virginia address.
None of this makes him a bad person. But all of this makes him a bad politician for 2017.
The opposition commercials are already in the can – ready to go. Ed’s accomplishments will be used against him – again. That’s what happened last year and certainly will happen again. Ed couldn’t counter the perceptions.
What could Ed possibly say next year that is so different that he will win?
Voting is emotional, not intellectual. Candidates must connect with Virginia’s voters to win. Ed doesn’t connect with the average Virginia voter. If he had, he would be Senator Gillespie of Virginia.
The Republicans, who’ve fought so many good fights for so many years across the Commonwealth, need to politely and privately tell him, “Take one for the team, Ed. Don’t run for Governor and lose. Raise millions of dollars for a fresh new face to win. Use your skills for good of the team.”
Seeking office for personal ambition is the dress coat of a career politician. Giving selfless service is the badge of honor for the armed forces and patriot public servants.
Kevin McCarthy stepped away from Speaker of the House. Ed can do likewise.
Ed Gillespie could make the difference in winning the Governorship next year, if he uses his skill set to raise enough money. His voice would be heard by the new Governor – giving good counsel for conservative policy.
I regret ruffling some Republican feathers for being so frank, but the truth needs to be told. Someone must tell the emperor he has no clothes.
The truth is Ed needs to take one for the team, like Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Earn a badge of honor. Help our Republican team win Virginia.
