Jim Gillmore

Age: 57

Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Virginia, 1971; law degree University of Virginia School of Law, 1977

Birthplace: Richmond, Va.

Residence: Richmond, Va.

Family: Wife, Roxane Gatling; two children, Jay and Ashton

Career: Currently serves as chairman of the National Council on Readiness and Preparedness; former governor of Virginia, 1998-2002; Virginia Attorney General, 1994-97; Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney, 1988-93; practicing attorney 1977-87.

Military service: U.S. Army counter-intelligence agent in Germany, 1971-74

Religious affiliation: Methodist

About the candidate:

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore established an exploratory committee in January. He bills himself as the only "true conservative" in the race. He favors tax cuts and opposes abortion and gay marriage.

"I believe that this nation needs conservative leadership," he said. "Alone among those considering a candidacy for the Republican nomination, I have a record of real leadership as a tax cutter and job creator, as a leader on national security issues, and as a national leader in our party."

Gilmore is the son of a Safeway meat cutter and church secretary. During the Vietnam era, he served as an Army counter-intelligence officer in Germany.

While governor, Gilmore eliminated the property tax on cars and pickup trucks, a move that critics say eventually resulted in a $6 billion state budget deficit. Gilmore refused to rescind the tax cut even when state Republican legislators and Democrats alike urged him to in light of the budget deficit.

He was appointed by Congress to a national commission on homeland security, which became known as the Gilmore Commission. Gilmore is also president of USA Secure, a nonprofit homeland security think tank.

On the issues:

War on Iraq: Supports increasing the number of troops in Iraq and giving the military a clearly defined mission.

Tax policy: Supports efforts to reduce taxes, including making the Bush tax cuts permanent.

Stem cell research: No information available.

Gay marriage: Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions.

Support for Patriot Act: Cautiously supports law as long as civil liberties are not limited.

Abortion: Supports informed consent and 24-hour waiting period for abortions.

Immigration: No amnesty for those in the country illegally, favors requiring employers to verify workers are here legally.

National health plan: $25 million more in federal money for the country's poor and uninsured

No Child Left Behind: No information available.

Global warming: Says there's not a solid link between human activity and global warming. More funding to develop domestic energy supplies.

Bloggersphere Quotes:

"He seems like a true conservative who speaks his mind. It is that habit that may make it tough for him to get the nomination."

• John Mullaney, The Stump, AOL News Election Blog, http://www.aolelectionsblog.com/2006/12/20/an-interesting-conservative-will-run-for-president/

"He also believes that the blogosphere is a way to go over the heads of the establishment media, and get his message directly to the people."

On Gilmore's promise to be first president who keeps a blog.

"From a political standpoint, Gilmore is doing just what he needs to do. Frontrunners can afford to take safe positions and not rock the boat. It seems to me that this was a missed opportunity for every other candidate."

• Matt Lewis, Townhall Blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/3bab98a4-95f7-4850-83bd-8aff52af77f4

"I lived in DC's Virginia suburbs through Gilmore's term as the state's governor, and I think it's entirely fair to say - in an objective, non-partisan fashion - that the guy was among the worst governors in modern history. I can't begin to imagine what he's thinking now. …Shouldn't presidential candidates have something to point to? A record of accomplishment, an ability to inspire, a vision for effective government? Gilmore has an abysmal record and a dull personality. If he comes in seventh in Iowa, I'll be very impressed."

• The Carpetbagger Report, http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/9563.html

Websites:

http://jimgilmore08.com/

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=gilmoreforpresident

http://www.myspace.com/gilmoreforpresident

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4president/459954214/