Fred Thompson finishes second in Texas Republican straw poll
Sep 4th, 2007 by Ted Pibil
You might be wondering why I am posting about a second place finish for Senator Thompson. Not only is Texas an important indicator on how the conservative south will vote, but mainly that this strong showing is due mainly to the efforts of grassroots volunteers. Not only are voters connecting with Senator Thompson’s conservative message and appeal, but they (like here in Maryland) are doing something about it on their own.
Now that Senator Thompson will make his official announcement this week, a strong national organization working with the already existing grassroots efforts will make capturing the Republican Nomination a very exciting and attainable goal over the next few months.
Rep. Duncan Hunter of California won the straw poll much like Romney did in Iowa - by buying the pollsters. The real victory went to Thompson!
Gromer Jeffers Jr.: Thompson’s 2nd-place finish a victory in itself
But what followers of politics will be talking about is former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson’s second-place finish.
His strong showing cements the actor turned presidential contender as the conservative alternative to front-runners like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain.
When he officially announces his candidacy Thursday, Mr. Thompson will be able to point to President Bush’s home state to counter questions about his conservative credentials.
Not bad for a candidate who didn’t make any personal overtures to Texas voters because he wasn’t officially in the race.
h/t to Blogs for Fred Thompson
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Looks like “Law and Order” finished 2nd to “The Constitution” in your own Maryland State Fair GOP straw poll. In fact, Ron Paul is leading in the cumulative voting of all GOP straw polls that have occured subsequent to the Ames, Iowa, straw poll.
As I’m sure you know, but fail to point out, the Texas Straw Poll was open only to people who were recent state GOP convention delegates — that is, essentially the pro-war neocons. In that light, Paul’s 17% showing in Texas is quite strong.