Tipsheet Gilmore Ramping Up POTUS Campaign Matt Lewis | February 13, 2007 9:12 AM The Washington Times is reporting that "Former Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III has hired Kieran Mahoney, son of the founder of the New York Conservative Party, to head his Republican presidential-nomination quest." In addition, Gilmore has also retained former American Conservative Union (ACU) and CPAC Executive Director, Christian Josi, as a communications consultant. Josi is very well liked and well-connected in the conservative movement.