Republican James Gilmore is asking for the opportunity to lead the United States as President in 2008. Prime among the qualifications that he cites is his leadership of the Republican Party during much of the presidency of George W. Bush. In fact, Gilmore was chosen as the chair of the Republican National Committee by Bush just after Bush’s election in 2000.

The criterion for success as chair of the Republican National Committee was set by Gilmore himself, who said, upon the announcement of his selection by Bush,

“The president-elect has shared with me, over a long period of time now, his desire to see the party broaden, to broaden its base, and to bring additional people in. He has led by example in this regard here in the state of Texas. He’s made it clear that this is the goal that he wishes that the party to achieve, to bring more people in from the Hispanic community, the African-American community, all regions of the United States of America, and to make this party broader even than it is now.”

Jim Gilmore saw it as his job to increase the number of Hispanic Republicans, African-American Republicans, and Republicans from districts not traditionally known as Republican strongholds. By that criterion, James Gilmore failed in his job as chair of the RNC. The Republican Party did not become more ethnically or regionally diverse during the time that Gilmore became its leader.

By his own standards, James Gilmore is a failed leader. Why would Americans elect him to lead their nation in 2008?

(Source: CNN, December 22, 2000)