January 05, 2006
Ed Gillespie Joins Team Allen
Of all the stories in today's Hotline, this one has more '08 ramifications than just about any other:
Ed Gillespie, one of the most well-respected, most well-connected Republicans in Washington -- he's the RNC chair once removed -- has signed on to be the treasurer of Sen. George Allen's political action committee, Good Government for America.
"I am a big fan of Sen. Allen's," Gillespie, a fellow Virginian, said in a brief interview. "I'm proud that he's my Senator."
The papers were signed last week; the PAC's former treasurer retired in December.
Associates say Allen broached the idea several months ago. Gillespie was receptive, though he could not commit to outside political work because he was helping the White House get John Roberts' through the Senate.
When Gillespie returned to his government affairs practice in the fall, he told Allen he'd love to help.
Allen will spend his '06 raising money for his Senate re-election campaign. But to keep his options open for 2008, he'd need a firm hand to manage the financial affairs of his leadership PAC and help develop a larger network of donors.
"I told him I wanted to do anything I do to help him," says Gillespie. "He told me that he's not going to be able to focus on his PAC, so I said I would become its treasurer until the end of the cycle."
Gillespie says he doesn't know if Allen will run for president -- or what Gillespie himself will do if he does. (Other Virginians like to talk Gillespie up as a potential gubernatorial or Senate candidate in the state.)
Says Gillespie: "I don't know what he's going to do after his re-election. I don't know what I'm going to do. But what I do know is, I have a great deal of affection for Sen. Allen."
Allen doesn't like to spend time raising money, and he does not have a wide network of reliable donors to fund a $50 million + presidential race.
And while he has a stable of talent -- including consultant Chris LaCivita, chief of staff Dick Wadhams -- and the potential for corporate connections -- his close confidant, Jay Timmons, is an SVP at the National Association of Manufacturers -- Allen was missing the seasoned national strategist to put it all together, money-wise.
Gillespie fills that gap.
BTW: we anticipate what state Dems will say: that Allen installed a lobbyist as his chief fundraiser during the Abramoff imbroglio.
Another presidential money chase item: here's what we can tell you about WH '08 GOPers and their contributions to Rep. Jim Nussle's (R) IA GOV campaign. Nussle's report is not public until 1/19.
The campaign reportedly asked every potential WH '08 candidate with a leadership PAC for money. All but three gave. The exceptions: Bill Frist, George Pataki and Mitt Romney, who is now chair of the RGA. Here's who did give to Nussle in '05:
Candidate's PAC Amount
George Allen $10,000
John McCain 5,000
Sam Brownback 2,000
Rick Santorum 1,000
[CHUCK TODD AND MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 01:19 PM
Comments
Dear Ed: I had the best working experience with you in our President's second term election after I lost in primary on 2004, this year I ran again visit my website www.fran4usrep.com please check my credential and see your email, hop it remind you who a I? I had an opportunity to visit our favorite Senator George Allen in our Oklahoma State Convention, and had a great time Also visit with Micheal Zak on our First Lady Luncheon in Tulsa, the same year, and visited with congressman J.C. Watts last month in Tulsa and we talked about John Sullivan,but never had chance to visit with you.
I am still full of energy and exited to support our President George W. Bush, Senator Allen and work with you in Washington if you give me an opportunity in any level as long as I can served my country and be effective
Hop you have some space for me and hear from you soon.
Sincerely Yours'
Fran Moghaddam
Farvardin / Fran Moghaddam | 08.14.06 11:46 PM
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