IowaPolitics.com BlogWatch

Rudy Giuliani picked up the endorsement and support of former
Wisconsin Governor, former Secretary of Health and Human Services, and
former Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States
Tommy Thompson today. This is a fairly interesting development and
while it may not mean a whole lot (endorsements, in my opinion, rarely
do), it is at least another pretty good feather for Rudy to add to his
cap. Tommy ran his campaign all spring and summer here in Iowa as
someone who presented a fairly conservative platform, both fiscally
and socially. While Rudy appears to put forward a conservative set of
ideas on fiscal issues, he definitely languishes on the social issues.
Thus, Tommy's endorsement of Rudy is not something a lot of people
could have predicted by just comparing ideology to ideology.

Labels: Rudy_Giuliani, Tommy_Thompson

Governor Tommy Thompson made it very clear from the very beginning of
his bid to become the 44th President of the United States: It's Iowa
or bust. But even though Tommy's 6th place showing at the Ames Straw
Poll on Saturday ended his aspirations, I don't think there is anyone,
who seriously followed this campaign, that could call Tommy's effort
anything short of incredible. I had the honor and privilege of meeting
Governor and Secretary Tommy Thompson more than any other candidate in
the race. He even called me on my phone one day to chat and at another
time, I rode with him in his suburban from Ames to Des Moines just so
he'd have another opportunity to chat with me.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

Now that Strawpollpalooza is over, the three no-shows -- Rudy
Giuliani, Fred Thompson and John McCain -- are coming to Iowa this
week. Trying to pick up those legions of Tommy Thompson supporters, no
doubt. Speaking of the late candidate, Political Insider makes the
Preposterous Claim Of The Day: If George W. Bush had declined to run
(in 2000), or had not defeated Ann Richards in 1994, Tommy Thompson
might be president today. Quotes T.T. as saying "I should have run in
'96, and I should have run in 2000." Still, there's a point. No guts,
no glory, and the brass ring only revolves around every four years.
Joe Biden and Chris Dodd must be having similar regrets about 1992.
Back in that early 1991 decision window, coming off Gulf War I, Bush
the Elder was looking invincible.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

While Thompson did not have as large of a campaign presence in Iowa as some of the better-known and better-financed candidates, he did have both staff and supporters who now find themselves without a political home. Looking at staffers, recent Iowa State University graduate Alyssa Staley was the person to first hold a paid campaign position for Thompson in Iowa. She first served as chairwoman for his campaign at ISU and then as a field organizer. Also serving as field organizers were former president of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women Gwen Ecklund, current ISU College Republicans executive director Jordan Navara, Jeanita McNulty, Marlys Grant and Tom Erb. ... If there was one area where the Thompson campaign had organized well it was on college and university campuses. ... at the time of this writing, no staff or supporters had made announcement of their intent to move to another candidate, experienced staff and well-known supporters rarely remain unattached for long.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

This morning I attended a mid-morning coffee and donuts campaign stop at the brand new and very beautiful 4 Brothers Bar & Grill. This is a fantastic restaurant and I would highly recommend eating there. A very good choice for the Tommy campaign to pick. I've seen Tommy well over 6 or 8 times, I'd guess. I've never been disappointed with him. How can you be? How can anyone not like this guy? I can understand someone liking another candidate more but Tommy definitely is one of the smartest and easily one of the funnest guys in the race. He's just not the sexiest. I'd wager to say that if we didn't have the Hollywood focused physical template, Tommy would probably be the Republican nominee. However, people really like to vote for someone who has "that look". That is something that is definitely an asset for Mitt Romney.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

The internets are ablaze with righteous indignation that libertarian slash GOP longshot Ron Paul has been excluded from Saturday's Iowans for Tax Relief/Iowa Christian Alliance debate. The conspiracy minded even note that Iowans for Tax Relief's Ed Failor Jr. is a major McCain backer. But McCain's not even showing up. And the Daily Iowan, while also objecting to Paul's exclusion, makes the point no one else has bothered to mention: "Romney, the debate's "front-runner," has the support of a whopping 12 percent of GOP voters, according to a June 20 poll conducted by Newsweek. Huckabee, Thompson, Brownback, Tancredo, and Hunter and are polling at an abysmal 4, 2, 2, 1, and 0 percent respectively." ... by joining a forum of second and third tier candidates, Romney runs the risk of reducing himself to their level. Meanwhile, Paul is playing the classic card of the uninvited, holding a counter-debate event immediately following. Such events usually rally a candidate's own die-hards, but are rarely if ever persuasive. Paul's protestation of exclusion from this bush-league event reeks of the paranoid.

Labels: Duncan_Hunter, John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, Mitt_Romney, Ron Paul, Sam_Brownback, Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

Tommy Thompson announced in Iowa last night that in his imaginary
administration, he would appoint Colin Powell to be Secretary of State
again. Because that worked out so well the last time! Colin Powell, of
course, hadn't been consulted about any of this, but it doesn't really
matter as it's all in the elaborate fantasy world of a deluded
man-child anyway. Other picks for the Thompson cabinet: Secretary of
Transportation: Spider-man. HUD Secretary: Ghost Rider. Secretary of
the Interior: Abraham Lincoln. Secretary of Time Travel: Mr. Peabody.
Secretary of Agriculture: Mr. Peanut. Defense Secretary: Spider-man 3.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

Two of the Republican presidential candidates talked about the Iowa Republican Party's Straw Poll today.(Here's the Radio Iowa story on Huckabee and here's the Radio Iowa story on Tommy Thompson.) Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson said some of his staff had seriously considered the idea of having him withdraw, but Thompson told reporters (during a telephone conference call) that he was steadfast in his commitment to participate. "I'm curious if you had considered skipping the Straw Poll after Giuliani and McCain got out of it," an AP reporter asked Thompson. "I reflected on it.I would say that my staff considered it more than I did. I never, I never thought about skipping the Straw Poll. I just thought that it was something that I had committed myself to early on. It was really the way we were focusing our campaign to see how well we were doing. It's a barometer of that. It's a test and I never personally, really, thought that we would skip it, but I've got to tell you that the three individuals on the call with me who are probably, I think, the three best knowlegable individuals about straw polls and Iowa politics thought that maybe we should skip it, but then they reflected on it and that's why we hadn't made an announcement because they wanted to consider all the alternatives and they came up with the same conclusion that I did, that this is the right thing."

Labels: Mike_Huckabee, straw_poll, Tommy_Thompson

... Fox asked much harder questions and allowed the candidates to go at it. We, the Republican voters, are adults and we should demand far more of this and far less of the commercials, the stump speeches etc…. Nothing instructs like dialogue. It also makes the Democrats look like the intellectual cowards that they have become. ... we're going to rate each debater on a scale of 1-30.
Sam Brownback ... 1st debate/25 2nd debate/21;
Jim Gilmore ... 1st debate/24 2nd debate/21;
Rudy Giuliani ... 1st debate/21 2nd debate/27;
Mike Huckabee ... 1st debate/25 2nd debate/27;
Duncan Hunter ... 1st debate/23 2nd debate/24;
John McCain ... 1st debate/23 2nd debate/24;
Ron Paul ... 1st debate/21 2nd debate/20;
Mitt Romney ... 1st debate/25 2nd debate/24;
Tom Tancredo ... 1st debate/21 2nd debate/22;
Tommy Thompson ... 1st debate/21 2nd debate/21.

Labels: Duncan_Hunter, Jim_Gilmore, John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, Mitt_Romney, Ron Paul, Rudy_Giuliani, Sam_Brownback, Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

Tonights Republican debate was a lot better than the last one. The questions were better and the crowd was more involved. Here are some thoughts I jotted down during the debate...
* Everytime I see Mike Huckabee, I wonder why he isn't gaining any traction. His counter to Rudy on abortion was clear and a lot better than Brownback's simplistic attempt.
* I think Rudy Giuliani won because of him interjecting on Paul's comment, even though I think Paul had an important point.
* Tancredo did pretty well. His line about people should have conversions on the road to Damascus and not on the road to Des Moines got a loud ovation and was a clear shot at McCain, Rudy, and multiple choice Mitt.
* I think Gilmore, Brownback, Tommy Thompson, and Hunter should drop out. Hunter might have some credibility on immigration, but is overshadowed by Tancredo.

Labels: Duncan_Hunter, Jim_Gilmore, John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, Mitt_Romney, Rudy_Giuliani, Sam_Brownback, Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

Sugar, ham, tons of cheese and cookies...not a bad week, huh? No wonder I felt like I was carrying around a small child during my runs this weekend. Ah, life on the road. How do these presidential candidates do it? I'm going to guess that's why I don't see these folks on the cover of my Men's Health every month ... Here's a lowdown on the candidate, city and food served... Hillary Clinton--Red Oak--pie; John McCain--Ft. Dodge--ham sandwich, chips, cookie; Tommy Thompson--Anamosa, then West Des Moines--pizza buffet, then just pizza; Barack Obama--Indianola--not a dang thing; John Cox--his West Des Moines campaign headquarters--Jay's Potato Chips; I wonder what I'll think the next time I hear one of these people talk about tackling the obesity problem?

Labels: Barack_Obama, Hillary_Clinton, John_Cox, John_McCain, Tommy_Thompson

........... demonstrated what appears to [be] caucus strength in the most traditional of ways. ... Team Tommy generated a turn out of around 100 almost entirely new faces. Having attended several Tommy events it appears that he has a great ability to work a crowd, very dynamic (although uncharacteristically passive in the recent mockumentary on MSNBC) and very likeable. Tommy and Mike Huckabee continue to front run for the Dale Carnegie Cup. Reliable and unbiased sources travelling with Tommy confirmed pretty much the same result for his other recent Iowa events. Tommy certainly is working this state like his life depends on it. ... Tommy Thompson is rolling out a powerful ground game. More of a 2000 Rams flexible approach than the '72 Dolphins ground pounders but pretty darn good none the less. Twenty five percent could win the blue ribbon next January so the affable Badger is not all that long of a shot.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

Tommy Thompson made his first visit to Northwest Iowa today and I think at the end of the day, the Thompson campaign has got to be quite pleased with the outcome of how things went. I was able to go to a 11 AM luncheon at the LeMars Family Table restaurant where Tommy spoke to a group of about 30 or so activists and curious on-lookers. Since LeMars is the Ice Cream Capital of the World, Tommy walked into the event eating an ice cream cone and continued to eat it as he shook hands and introduced himself to the people in attendance. The crowd was predominately comprised of senior citizens and this was largely, I'm sure, because of the early lunch hour. There happened to also be a lot of bikers there and I think this group is becoming a good group for Tommy to tap into. Most working aged people probably couldn't get off work for lunch until about the time Tommy's visit in LeMars was over. After getting a really nice introduction from a friend of his from Plymouth County whom he sometimes goes on motorcycle trips with, Tommy started into his stump speech.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

Apparently Barack Obama is churning up interest to spur strong attendance at events he isn't even attending. The U.S. senator from Illinois pursuing the Democratic Party nomination for president has slated an organizational meeting tonight at Cronk's restaurant in Denison. Obama drew more than 500 people in Denison on a March 31 stop at the high school, and 65 people are anticipated to attend the 7 p.m. meeting at Cronk's. Obama and his Iowa spokesman said having such a turnout for planning meeting in the middle of the week so far out from the November 2008 election is indicative of great support, and they're right. In other presidential candidate news in Northwest Iowa, if you get up early tomorrow you can attend the 7:30 a.m. stop by Republican Tommy Thompson at the Village Inn on Hamilton Boulevard in Sioux City. After that, the former Wisconsin governor will attend events in Le Mars, which we plan to cover, and Sioux Center and Rock Rapids.

Labels: Barack_Obama, Tommy_Thompson

... When any two kampaigns visit the same kommunity on the same day, people are going to kompare the events, especially when the events are in Iowa's second largest city. Tommy Thompson had 150 at his event, while the presumed frontrunner, Rudy Giuliani only had around 100. Rudy's poor showing is a good example of the problems he is having in Iowa. ... Rudy's problems in Iowa have nothing to do with his pro-choice stance on abortion; instead it has everything to do with the staff on the ground here in Iowa, and the level of kommitment to Iowa from the folks in New York that are calling the shots. Now, I'm not slamming the Giuliani Iowa staff. They have some good people in the state, but a caucus kampaign requires a large staff with caucus experience and that's where they are lacking.

Labels: Rudy_Giuliani, Tommy_Thompson

I watched about 20 minutes of the Republican debate tonight. There isn't much worth writing about except this comment by former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. Asked: "If a private employer finds homosexuality immoral, should he be allowed to fire a gay worker?" Thompson's response: "I think that is left to the individual business. I really sincerely believe that that is an issue that business people have got to make their own determination as to whether or not they should be." Does Thompson not know anything about our Constitution or the 14th Amendment? Has he never heard that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws? Cornell Law School defines discrimination as... Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. So basically Thompson is running on a campaign that promotes discrimination.

Labels: Tommy_Thompson

... First to speak was Rudy Giuliani. He is fiscally conservative and has a great record as mayor for decreasing crime in New York. The man may put an R after his name but his personal life has too many skeletons for all but the most moderate conservative voter. .. John Cox was next. ... I've had the opportunity to meet John a few times and I really think a common sense business-like approach is what we need in Washington. And I really hope that whoever does win the nomination puts this guy somewhere in their cabinet. ... The final speaker before dinner was Governor Mike Huckabee from Arkansas. ... I'm all about lower taxes and liked the speech but I don't think Huckabee is the man for the job. ... Congressman Tom Tancredo from Colorado was next. ... And while I agree with him I think he is too harsh for a lot of people. ... I've met Governor Gilmore on a few occasions and have found him to be a very firm candidate. Unfortunately he seemed very mean-spirited. ... With a strong focus on family values, good manners and courtesy I really think (Brownback) can be trusted. ... And next, Tommy Thompson from Wisconsin. ... After hearing him I really think he is a strong candidate. ... He really believes in giving people a chance, be it through school choice or job training. ... And, finally, Senator John McCain. ... He was the only speaker to roam the stage and talked to the audience as "friends". He's incredibly likeable. And intelligent. And funny. And not the guy. I like him, but he's not the guy.

Labels: Jim_Gilmore, John_Cox, John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, Rudy_Giuliani, Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

... RPI's Lincoln Dinner Winners: Huckabee, Tancredo, Thompson, McCain
... For what I saw on CSPAN and the reports people have emailed me, I think all the kandidates did a good job Saturday night, but I think some did a better job than others. I know that many of you think I'm a Huckabee homer, but I thought Huckabee used Saturday's event to make a very favorable impression on Iowa caucus goers ... Kongressman Tom Tancredo might have served up some cheesecake in his post event reception, but he dished out a ton of red meat right after dinner. ... For months I've given kudos to Tommy Thompson's Iowa kampaign team, but I was impressed by Thompson's speech. He offered the most detailed plans of any candidate that spoke at the dinner. ... Senator McCain's speech was more about style than substance. Usually I give people bad marks for this, but one of the biggest obstacles McCain must overcome in Iowa is his image.

Labels: John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, RPI, Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

... I know that some bloggers and especially the media like to glance over kandidates like Tom Tancredo and Tommy Thompson, but these are the guys who will make a big impact on the Iowa Straw Poll and the Iowa Caucus if you ask me. ... Tancredo's announcement on Jan Mickelsen's radio show kaught me off guard, but I think it was a great idea and a very different way to announce that you are running for President. Mickelsen's audience is exactly the type of people who would respond favorably to Tancredo's stance on illegal immigration and his strong konservative positions on social issues. ... I've read and was told that Thompson turned out 350 to 400 people to their mid day announcement in Des Moines. I think that's a big number. Sure its not what Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, or Mitt Romney have had but it's close, and it's a lot more than other second tier kandidates could draw in Iowa. I don't think Tancredo, Brownback, Huckabee, or Duncan Hunter could put together an event that large.

Labels: Tom_Tancredo, Tommy_Thompson

There is never a week that goes by where a presidential kandidate isn't somewhere in the Iowa. That said; it looks like there is some unspoken rule that says if your running for president you must squeeze in an Iowa trip right before Easter. Maybe they are picking up an Easter Ham, or maybe there is some special on peeps I don't know about. Next Tuesday Rudy Giuliani comes to Iowa for his first presidential kampaign event, his Des Moines visit will be covered by all the major media outlets. What I find odd is that Mitt Romney and Tommy Thompson will be coming to town the next day, and Thompson is announcing his kandidacy when he comes to town. I don't know whether Thompson's announcement koming on the heels of Rudy's first Iowa visit is brilliant or stupid. Maybe Grubbs & Ko realize that its difficult for their kandidate to generate national press koverage, so by piggybacking off of Rudy's event Thompson might be able steal a few lines in all Rudy's earned media.

Labels: Mitt_Romney, Rudy_Giuliani, Tommy_Thompson

With the caucus kampaigns now upon us, I thought now would be a good time to breakout the Power Rankings. I'm only going to rank the top five because after that there isn't much difference between the candidates. I think you will all be surprised to see that my breakout candidate of 2007, Mike Huckabee is not on the list. I took a lot of heat when I named Huckabee my breakout kandidate, and while it's very early and there is plenty of time to campaign in the state, I'm starting to wonder if Iowa is a priority for the Huckabee campaign.

Labels: John_McCain, Mike_Huckabee, Mitt_Romney, Rudy_Giuliani, Tommy_Thompson

................ to both Bill Dix and Thompson '08 for what will undoubtedly be a wonderful merger. Bill will become Tommy Thompson's State Chair this week. Having recently seen Tommy, I must say he makes one whale of a good point. We have to win Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and maybe Michigan next time 'cause Ohio's going to be really tough. Is Tommy the guy who can do it, time alone will tell. Tommy and Bill will make a very likeable team, and one on whom we should all keep a close eye.

Labels: Bill Dix, Tommy_Thompson