Virginia governor’s race gets off to an early start with Gillespie fundraiser
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Version 0 of 1. RICHMOND — Yet another sign that the 2017 Virginia governor’s race is off to an early start: Former White House adviser Ed Gillespie on Monday will hold his first fundraiser. Gillespie expects to raise $270,000 at the reception and dinner, based on ticket sales and pledges, according to Chris Leavitt, who managed Gillespie’s unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid last year and currently serves as an informal adviser. Tickets range from $50 for “young professionals” to $10,000 for top sponsors. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner. Gillespie confirmed in early October that he would seek his party’s nomination for governor. In November, he created a political action committee, Let’s Grow, Virginia! PAC. [Ed Gillespie confirms he is running for Va. governor] Invitations to the event were sent out by Virginia oilman Bill Holtzman and John T. “Til” Hazel Jr., a lawyer and developer behind much of Northern Virginia’s growth since the 1970s. Gillespie is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, counselor to President George W. Bush and public relations strategist. He nearly unseated U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) in 2014, winning him fans across what at times has been a deeply fractured state party. Gillespie still could face competition for the nomination, particularly if a conservative favorite such as former attorney general Ken Cuccinelli II (R) gets into the race. Cuccinelli, who narrowly lost the 2013 governor’s race to Democrat Terry McAuliffe, has said he has not ruled out a run. Several conservative state legislators also have expressed interest. At least so far on the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam is the only candidate running to succeed the term-limited McAuliffe. |