Edward W. Gillespie chosen by President Bush as new chairman of the Republican National Committee.
WASHINGTON – Taxpayers will maintain a strong influence in the Republican National Committee in the coming years, as Edward W. Gillespie was tapped by President Bush to become the new chairman of the Republican National Committee when it convenes its annual meeting in July.
Gillespie brings years of experience working for tax reform and reduction. He served for over a decade as a top aide to former House Majority leader Dick Armey, who for years spearheaded the Flat Tax in Congress, and was instrumental in drafting the 1994 Contract with America. He was a strategist for Elizabeth Dole\’s 2002 Senate Campaign and was a senior communications adviser in Austin for Bush\’s first campaign. Dole signed the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) Taxpayer Protection Pledge in her successful bid for the Senate, as did a vast majority of Republican freshmen who came into office in 1995.
"A fellow like Gillespie who has a long record in favor of tax reform is just what taxpayers should like to see at the RNC," said Grover Norquist President of Americans for Tax Reform. "Gillespie has guts on the issues of taxes and smaller government and is not the type of guy who will shy away from a fight," he continued.
Gillespie served as the RNC spokesman in 1996 and managed the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. More recently he has worked as founder and principal of Quinn Gillespie and Associates, a Washington, DC public affairs firm. Mr Gillespie\’s appointment will become official when he is elected at the RNC meeting in July, but as Mr. Bush\’s candidate his election is certain.
"Over 216 members of the U.S. House have vowed not to raise taxes, as well as 42 U.S. Senators. With the head of one of the major political parties on their side, American taxpayers appear to be safe for a long while," concluded Norquist.