Another fly has dropped

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore withdraws from the 2008 Republican Primary race.

RICHMOND -- Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore ended his long-shot campaign for the presidency today, saying he has been unable to raise enough money to compete for the Republican nomination.

Gilmore blamed his fundraising problems on his late entry into the race. He said he did not begin organizing his campaign until January, while most of the GOP frontrunners had been preparing to run for years.

Gilmore said the front-loading of presidential primaries in major states in early 2008 have put a premium on stockpiling money this year. Latest Videos

“It has become apparent to me that the combination of my late start and the front-loaded nature of the primary schedule have made it impractical to continue to pursue this path towards further public service,” Gilmore said in a written statement.

Gilmore, 57, had tried to bill himself as the most consistent conservative in the crowded Republican field. He said his record of executive experience, tax cutting and assessing terrorism was unmatched in the crowded GOP field. He criticized the GOP front-runners for inconsistent records on abortion, gun rights and tax cuts.

Little known outside Virginia, however, he failed to raise significant campaign money or a national buzz. Gilmore raised only about $380,000 during the first half of 2007. In contrast, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney raised about $35 million and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani amassed about $29 million.

Did you even know former Governor Jim Gilmore was running? Had you ever heard of Jim Gilmore? My answers are no and yes. How about yours?

Hat tip- Below the Beltway
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