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Thompson's Iowa Exit Strategy
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ShareAugust 11, 2007 10:09 PM
ABC's Z Byron Wolf reports: Former Governor of Wisconsin Tommy Thompson ended his presidential campaign today, after a poor showing in the Iowa Straw Poll.
"I have no regrets about running," Thomson said in a written statement.
Fewer than 2,000 votes separated Thompson from Iowa Straw Poll winner Mitt Romney.
But in between, there were also four other candidates, including wild-card Rep.Ron Paul, who actually gets lower poll numbers than Thompson in Iowa.
Thompson said as recently as yesterday that if he didn't "win, place or show," it would be hard for him to carry on his campaign, which was already beset by low fundraising figures.
Thompson had visited every county in Iowa and been in the state every week this year, but this weekend he ended his presidential campaign there.
After the results of the straw poll were announced, Thompson's advisor, Steve Grubbs, said it would be be "all but impossible" for the Governor's campaign to continue.
Grubbs maintained that Thompson, who in addition to his time as Governor is considered the father of modern welfare reform and served in the Bush Administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services, has the best resume in the Republican field. But he said that in a straw poll on a hot day in Ames, it takes more than issue-driven candidates to rally die-hard supporters.
Thompson has campaigned not on one issue, like 5th place finisher and anti-amnesty crusader Rep. Tom Tancredo, but has in-depth plans for everything from Iraq to reforming health care.
August 11, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (15)
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Tommy who? Bye.
Posted by: Chas | Aug 12, 2007 11:11:57 AM
Wrong. ALL CAPS, I mean, RON PAUL finished 5th place. Tancredo finished 4th.
Posted by: Stoic Patriot | Aug 12, 2007 11:27:23 AM
Thompson is not qualified anyway, so what's the surprise? nothing.
Posted by: marc | Aug 12, 2007 1:58:41 PM
I hope he doesn't leave. He would make a great president.
Posted by: Larry | Aug 12, 2007 2:44:00 PM
Would it really make any difference to anyone but him and his family if he stays in the race or leaves?
Posted by: don | Aug 12, 2007 3:09:58 PM
It is pathetic that Thompson would receive such a low recognition from the GOPers. He was repeatedly elected in a purple (more to blue than to red) state of Wisonsin. His low rating speaks volume about the braindeadness of GOP voters. Tommy, please leave the race. Don't embrass the good people of Wisconsin!
Posted by: Ni Daye | Aug 12, 2007 7:02:29 PM
Sorry to see you go....
Posted by: MA | Aug 13, 2007 9:41:31 AM
lol....I'm live in WI, and we here would not vote for him anyway.
Posted by: LMAO | Aug 13, 2007 9:54:44 AM
I guess its a bad sign when someone ends a presidetial bid and no one even knew that he was running.
Posted by: David Waters | Aug 13, 2007 11:51:04 AM
Tommy who?
Posted by: Looken | Aug 13, 2007 1:17:01 PM
Tommy Thompson did not reduce poverty in Wisconsin he INCREASED HUMAN SUFFERING.
Posted by: Kelly Fischer | Aug 13, 2007 1:34:12 PM
He is not a bad guy, smart as hell actually but made some really dumb moves. Fire gays just because they are gay, just weird! I would say he is better than most of the others!
Posted by: j | Aug 13, 2007 1:37:34 PM
For thsoe who say, "Tommy who?" and didn't know who he was that is not something to boast about. Rather, it shows your shallow read of the political spectrum. I guess some have been realying too much on "entertainews" for thier inside scoop! That is what is wrong here--too few people taking a real interest in what is happening but relying on Stewart, Letterman, etc. for their spoon fed political opinions. Embarassing. I'm not defending Thompson--he wasn't my guy--but, still, come on people! Get with it.
Posted by: Den | Aug 13, 2007 2:08:40 PM
I liked T. Thompson, even though I'm a Ron Paul supporter. Thompson was sensible and intelligent, but he came off as very boring and dry. I could see him as a good VP, but I don't think he could have made it as president. I wish Duncan Hunter would butt out too, followed perhaps by Tom "Nuke Mecca and Medina" Tancredo.
Posted by: Andrew | Aug 14, 2007 7:12:31 PM
Thompson surrounded himself with yes people who could never tell him the honest truth---a big spending Republican liberal with no charisma and no one issue to galvanize Republican voters should have never embarrassed himself in the first place. It's like a prizefighter trying to make a comeback at age 50. Thompson was never ready for prime time; his debate performances and feeble excuses for gaffes ranging from firing gays, to anti Semetic remarks proved it. Go make money Tommy, but in the end he'll never be happy unless the spotlight and attention are on him. Bye bye Tommy. Iowans sent him a powerful message his close confidants should have when he was pondering this run last year.
Posted by: lenny | Aug 16, 2007 8:47:09 PM
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