Jim Gilmore (R) needs to erase $190,000 in campaign debts from his two failed bids to elected office.

By John Arundel
Managing Editor

Despite losing big to Mark Warner in his bid for a US Senate seat two weeks ago, former Virginia governor James S. Gilmore III, of Richmond and Old Town, is still on the hunt for donors.

During his failed Senate race, Gilmore raised about $2-million while Warner raised  $12-million, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

In a letter to givers last week, Gilmore said he would like them to help him erase $50,000 in debts from his Senate race, and another $140,000 in debt from his failed presidential campaign last year.

"I want to continue to play a role in restoring our party and adding to the public debate of the future,'' Gilmore wrote in a fundraising letter to supporters this week. "It will be difficult to play this role with this unresolved debt. If you can help me one last time with a contribution of $100, $75, or even $35 , I would be most grateful."

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Friend,

As we examine the election results, I want to personally thank you for the role you played throughout this campaign . Although Republicans faced an uphill battle all year, supporters like you stepped up to the plate whenever you were asked because you believed in our cause and principles.

While I wish the election results in Virginia had been better, I am not discouraged and remain resolute to the mission of doing my part to rebuilding our party . The people of Virginia clearly are seeking a new direction, but I believe this election will not deliver to them the change that they are seeking. We must renew our party and use our principles to solve the problems that our state and nation face. We must be the party and the leaders who take the state and the nation into the future.

As I close the campaign, there is an outstanding debt of $50,000 from the final campaign activities. I want to continue to play a role in restoring our party and adding to the public debate of the future. It will be difficult to play this role with this unresolved debt. If you can help me one last time with a contribution of $100, $75, or even $35 , I would be most grateful.

The easiest way to do this is click on the box below to make a credit card contribution. If you want to send a check, you may make it payable to: Gilmore for Senate and mail it to 25 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

I remain grateful to you for your generosity. Together we can help point the way to a better future for our state and our country.

Sincerely,
Jim Gilmore