Virginia Representative Rob Wittman is out for the 2017 GOP gubernatorial bid. Former RNC Chairman and prospective frontrunner Ed Gillespie offered his remarks in reaction:
Rob Wittman has an important opportunity to work with a Trump Administration and our Republican majorities in Congress to advance Virginia’s priorities at a critical time for us. He is a good friend and a good man, and like countless other Virginians I am grateful for his continued leadership in and service to our Commonwealth.
In what had to be the worst kept secret in Virginia these last two weeks, Wittman confirmed in a public announcement today what had been privately circling for some time:
My intentions haven’t changed, but the circumstances around me have. I’m so grateful to the folks who have been a part of this journey so far, and I’m excited to keep working with folks in the First District to grow our economy, strengthen our national security, and make sure that Virginia is always first. We have a unique opportunity right now in Congress to work with the new Administration and with Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate to make real impacts across the Commonwealth and the country. I cannot ignore that, and I can’t ignore the obligation that I have to the people in the First District. As a public servant, I believe it’s my job to be where I can do the most good for Virginia. I can’t predict where that will be in the future, but right now, it’s here in Congress.
Wittman is a patient man who knows how to wait for the right moment to throw his hat into the ring. What is apparent at this rate is that Virginia Republicans are keenly aware that 2017 is going to require every hand at the oars… because the uphill climb after a disastrous 2016 showing is going to be long and steep.
UPDATE: The Bull Elephant was first with the news:
A couple of changes in the political landscape appear to have also played a role in Wittman’s recalculation. First, Congressional redistricting and Rep. Randy Forbes’ decision to run in the 2nd District (unsuccessfully) instead of defending the newly-redrawn 4th District means that Virginia lost its senior representative on the House Armed Services Committee, a body crucial to the defense industry in Virginia. This means that Forbes’ seat as chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee is also opening up, which could give Wittman the opportunity to be Virginia’s senior voice on issues crucial to its economy and security. In that role he could potentially complement Forbes, who sources have indicated is in a leading position to become President Trump’s Secretary of the Navy.
An interesting observation, indicating that the populist wing of the GOP may not take the news lightly regarding Wittman’s departure from the race — meaning that the Trump faction of the party has not ultimately settled on either Stewart or Wagner as a champion.
UPDATE x2: Fellow VLM partner and conservative flagship Bearing Drift chimes in with their thoughts:
Throughout this year, however he has focused primarily on his reelection campaign and getting to know the citizens in the new counties added by a judge in 2016 to the First District. Hanover and New Kent became part of the First Congressional District in the last gasp of the Virginia redistricting debacle. While Wittman had garnered support from many activists who appreciated his strong and sensible Congressional voting record, there were those who spoke to the huge gap in Virginia’s Congressional Delegation if he should leave that office.
Bearing Drift has the full statement from the good congressman on their site. Check it out.
More as folks begin offering their thoughts. Nothing as of yet from the other competitive Republican gubernatorial candidates. Good news for Gillespie at this rate as he looks to head into 2017 with an expanding lead in numbers, material, and fundraising.
UPDATE x3: The Washington Post has an article up. If you’d like to burn a free article, by all means click here and do so. Apparently, I have burned up my 10 free articles on clickbait.
Thanks for nothing, Jeff Bezos.