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Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, took questions about his campaign platform during "Rocky Talk Live," a live chat show conducted by Mark Wolf on Wednesday June 13, 2007, 11 a.m., Colorado local time.

AAPD submitted a question from the list developed in coalition with ADAPT, NCIL, and SABE. The relevant part of the transcript during which Gilmore spoke in regard to disability follows:

Mark Wolf: (Question via email from the American Association of People with Disabilities):

Do you support the creation and appointment of a permanent assistant to the President for Disability Policy? How will you make sure qualified people with disabilities will be part of your political team, and if elected, of your administration?

Gov. Jim Gilmore (Answer):
Disability policy will be carefully considered and the rights of disabled persons protected under my administration. This was my track record as governor. Administratively, I am more comfortable delegating policies such as these to the appropriate cabinet official. I would expect the Secretary of HHS to be accountable for and to coordinate disability in my Administration. My experience is this creates better results than a special assistant outside of the administrative structure.

The full transcript of this radio show is available at the Rocky Mountain News website.

The ADAPT / AAPD / NCIL/ SABE Disability Questionnaire is available at AAPD's 2008 Presidential Action Center.

Action Steps:

• Continue to encourage all presidential candidates to answer the comprehensive list of ADAPT / AAPD / NCIL / SABE questions.
• Whenever possible, use these disability questions to get candidates on the record regarding disability policy - at town hall meetings, live online chats, letter writing, other media opportunities.
• Notify AAPD of any successful efforts you have, and publish the responses widely. (p.s. if you need an author, put my name or AAPD)