June 13, 2007 11:51 AM

GOP Presidential candidate Jim Gilmore

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, took questions about his campaign.

drnevins(Q) I think the best thing that has been said by Jim Gilmore is that the other candidates do not reflect conservative values.
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) Thanks for joining us today. I have made it clear from the beginning of this campaign that a conservative candidacy is needed. The three leading candidates, who I have described as "Rudy McRomney," are all distinguished leaders but they are not conservatives. Other candidates in the race, in fact, are conservative in many ways. But several of them have been weak on tax increases, immigration issues, and the war on terrorism. I have offered myself as a consistent conservative with a long track record of leading and governing as a conservative. I believe this is best for the Republican Party and for the people of the United States.

Mark_Wolf(Q) via e-mail from Erik: Are you a member of the Council on Foreign Relations? Are you opposed to NAFTA?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) Yes I am a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. That doesn't mean, however, that I agree with every approach that they promote. I am adding a conservative voice into their conferences and seminars. I am joined by other distinguished conservatives such as Newt Gingrich. I have a lifelong commitment to a strong American foreign policy and deep experience in foreign affairs, including chairing the National Commission on Terrorism and Homeland Security for the United States Government. As to NAFTA - I support Free Trade, but believe there is nothing wrong with reviewing our experience with agreements like NAFTA to make sure that American economic and other national interests are being served.

exbelladonna(Q) The 1,100 page No Child Left Behind Act, although with good intentions, has been interpreted very poorly where I live leaving our school principals to decide to go as far as taking all but 10 minutes of recess for the entire day away from 10 year old children in the name of "meeting AYP." Sitting in a chair that long is very difficult for many children that age. There is also no cap eliminating children that have already met or exceeded expectations on the testing, requiring them to do (I think) 3% better each and every year. I know that Gov. Gilmore sent a letter regarding the straight A's portion of NCLB, but I cannot find what the letter said, or whether it was supporting NCLB, or against NCLB. With the program already underfunded, what would Gov. Gilmore do about NCLB if elected to office?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) In Virginia, I supported academic standards for young people and testing to measure whether all students were achieving in the public schools. All this preceded NCLB. While I prefer education to be overseen by the states and localities I approve of a national effort to bring standards to public education. I think we have to guard against the teaching establishment trying to sabotage academic standards by applying the rules in ridiculous ways. Nothing about academic accountablitiy requires teachers to misuse the students under their authority in the classroom.

Mark_Wolf(Q) via e-mail from the American Association of People with Disabilities: Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent assistant to the President for Disability Policy? How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be part of your political team and, if elected, of your administration?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) Disability policy will be carefully considered and the rights of disabled persons protected under my administration. This was my track record as governor. Administratively, I am more comfortable delegating policies such as these to the appropriate cabinet official. I would expect the Secretary of HHS to be accountable for and to coordinate disability in my Administraton. My experience is this creates better results than a special assistant outside of the administrative structure.

Colo__Conservative(Q) What is your position on eminent domain?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) I am against the result in the Kelo Case. I am respectful of property rights as an element of American liberty. I expect to make a major address on this topic at the National Taxpayers Union lunch meeting this Saturday in DC.

Political_Pale_Horse(Q) Do you support or oppose the amnesty bill?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants. I believe the immigration issue has a major national security component. I believe we MUST secure our borders. There should not be a "all is forgiven" amnesty policy and therefore I oppose the bill that was before the U.S. Senate.

roger(Q) What's your position on the 2nd Amendment?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) I support the right to keep and bear arms as an individual right. I support the Second Amendment. I serve on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association. It is uniquely American in our history and culture to empower individual people through the Second Amendment without fear of those people. I believe the right to keep and bear arms, coupled with a requirement to obey the law, is an element of American liberty.

Mark_Wolf(P) We had several questions on the immigration bill and don't want to be repetitive. If you have a followup to Jim Gilmore's answer, feel free to post it.

rti76(Q) Governor, it seems to me that are very few presidential candidates with any sort of military service this year. Have you ever served in the armed forces?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) Yes, I served in the United States Army from 1971-1974. I was a non-commissioned officer in the Army Intelligence. I was stationed in West Germany during the time of the Cold War. I am proud to be a veteran and I am proud to have worn the uniform. As as veteran I believe I understand the challenges and experiences faced by our young men and women in uniform during this time of international crisis. I honor our troops for their service to the country.

wendell(Q) Hi Governor. I've been getting a lot of questions from folks about your experience with the terrorism task force. Can you expand a little bit on what the taskforce did and what some of the end results were (or should have been)?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) I was asked by the US Government to chair the national commission on terrorism and homeland security in 1999. The reports can be viewed on the Rand Corporation Web page - www.rand.org and in the search vehicle type "Gilmore Commission." In 1999 the Commission assessed the threat and warned the Congress and the President that a national strategy was needed. In 2000 we proposed the national strategy and stepped up our warnings. In 2001 we defined a national strategy in terms of: 1) the role of local and state authorities; 2) Bioterrorism and Health Care; 3) Border Control; 4) Use of the Military in the Homeland and the dangers of it; and 5) Cyberterrorism. The 9/11 attack extended our Commission two additional years. The report remains the Bible of Homeland Security and has stood the test of time. Of our 164 recommendations - 146 have been adopted in whole or in part by the U.S. Government.

Mark_Wolf(P) If you're interested in more information about the Gilmore campaign, the Web site is: www.gilmoreforpresident.com

April(Q) When are you coming to Colorado?
Gov._Jim_Gilmore(A) I served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the US Air Force Academy from 2003 - 2006. I was in Colorado frequently through that work and have many friends in the state. I look forward to the campaign bringing me back to Colorado soon. Thanks for your questions and please visit my website at www.gilmoreforpresident.com. Have a great day.