A Republican is now the frontrunner to be the next governor of Virginia, a state many thought was turning into a solid blue state.
Not only is it a Republican with a strong likelihood of winning, it’s a Republican running as a Trumpist who may be the next governor.
And that Trumpist is the unlikeliest of people to be one: long-time GOP establishment guy Ed Gillespie.
While Gillespie doesn’t display the bluster and populist touch of Donald Trump, his campaign message as of late has centered around getting tough on illegal immigration and MS-13 — issues more associated with populist insurgents than establishment suits.
He is also advertising his strong opposition to tearing down Confederate statues — a big issue in Virginia that most Republican insiders wold rather avoid.
Just a few months ago, it would have been unthinkable for Gillespie, a former RNC chairman, to be running such a campaign in a state Hillary Clinton won.
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