Tancredo tops $1 million in exploratory presidential bid

Rocky Mountain News ^ | March 22, 2007 | M.E. Sprengelmeyer

[EndWelfareToday]

WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom Tancredo has raised more than $1 million for his exploratory presidential bid, saying that makes it far more likely he will follow through with a full-fledged candidacy.

Tancredo, R-Littleton, said he’s aware of the daunting odds he faces going up against bigger-name Republican contenders who have millions more dollars in the bank.

Still, he said he takes heart in the large number of average folks - backers of his hard-line stand against illegal immigration - who have made small contributions averaging $59 on the Team Tancredo web site.

"It’s amazing to me," Tancredo said. "I know we’re going to be a long way from the war chests that are out there. On the other hand, I feel like I’ve got more people that are committed to me and the ideas I represent than a lot of these other guys."

Tancredo put himself in the second-tier of Republican contenders, behind front-runners like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Still, he had set a goal of raising $1 million for his exploratory committee, Tancredo for a Secure America, by the end of the first quarter of this year.

Crossing that goal, "kicks my enthusiasm level up about a million times," Tancredo said in phone interview.

"It just simply means it’s certainly more likely that we will announce I will be a candidate for president," he said.
He’ll make a final decision within two weeks.

[Tarkus2040]

Of course he does. Somehow all the people who can't possibly win have the support of freepers.

Well most of us voted for President Bush, and look where that got us. My next vote will go to someone who's a true conservative and doesn't have close ties with Mexico. Unlike the socio-globalist liberal in conservative clothing (RINO) that's currently in office.

[George W. Bush]

Paul has raised over a half million without even trying. He always raises money from all over the country and has a small but very loyal base. He's in for the duration, I think.

Not sure how Tancredo and Hunter work out. In many ways, Tancredo is far more reliably conservative than Hunter. So I think Tancredo might stay in and shows signs he is preparing to do so.

I think the earlier post about Tancredo spending as much time crisscrossing Iowa as possible is a very good one. Iowa is getting overwhelmed by the costs and inconvenience and lawlessness from illegals. So I see potential for Tancredo to really grow in his support. I don't see the same potential for Hunter overall though I don't dislike him.

[George W. Bush]

You may be right but the way I see it... if a fat headed peanut farmer and a rapist can come from no where to be elected president, a man like Tancredo can win if good decent people will believe he can and get off their loins and vote.

But they were both Southern governors. It's a considerable advantage. Still, it's not impossible. But he'd have to score very heavily in Iowa to move forward.

[AmericanInTokyo]

The Republican Party Establishment won't stand for it.

And unfortunately, that is one group of incredibly influential and powerful people he must get past in order to get that nomination.

They have shown their mettle in stopping a good number of grassroots patriot movements within the party, and annointing the Country Club set.

This, even after a valiant fight next year, is what is going to happen IMHO.

[EndWelfareToday]

But he'd have to score very heavily in Iowa to move forward.

Maybe but from what I hear Florida is trying to get into the mix of being the first primary held this election and if that is the case Tancredo's immigration stance will bode well for him before the Iowa caucuses.

[Caipirabob]

I don't mind seeing him toss his hat into the ring. He'll put a focus on one of the most major issues threatening our country. I sure hope he's a lot more careful about what he says about my family and neighbors here in Florida next time.

[Peach]

Just because Rudy is the frontrunner nationally isn't any reason to be a crybaby.

[Peach]

Sure. That's why Rudy is the front runner nationally. Go figure.

[EndWelfareToday]

Sure. That's why Rudy is the front runner nationally. Go figure.

The race isn't over peach. Just because your liberal "Republican" is ahead in the polls today doesn't mean he will be the winner in the end. Just ask John Kerry. ;o)

[freedomfiter2]

Sure. That's why Rudy is the front runner nationally. Go figure.


I'd be convinced that he could win if the primaries were in April, but the longer we wait the more support he'll lose. When Thompson announces, he'll be in the number one spot within two weeks.

[Peach]

but the longer we wait the more support he'll lose.

Yes, we keep waiting to see that drop in support. Instead, his support and poll numbers have increased over the last few months. Go figure.

[George W. Bush]

Even if he were, it doesn't justify you being such a stalking troll at FR. Especially when you so often express your disgust for 'freepers'.

[dynachrome]

"He's got my support." And a couple of $ dollars from me. My representative, and one of the few politicians I can vote for!

[George W. Bush]

Where is this great lead anyway? Doesn't look like he's even beating McStain yet.

Iowa
Giuliani	29%
McCain	29%
Fred Thompson	12%
Romney	10%
Gingrich	7%
New Hampshire
McCain	23%
Giuliani	19%
Romney	17%
Gingrich	11%
Fred Thompson	10%
American Research Group March 19-22, 2007 600 likely Republican voters M.O.E.+/-4%

I got this off FNC's 5pm broadcast today.

[Craigswatch]

Tancredo is the only one with cookies big enough to talk about the illegals invading the U.S.
Regretfully, every time McCain is asked about it, he has to run. The others all follow him.
Tancredo can win if he is allowed to get his message out.

[COEXERJ145]

Tancredo cannot win, period. Most Americans are not going to vote for someone who is perceived as a racist, a notion that Tancredo has reinforced on his own such as his comment about Miami being a third world country.

Oh, and what was your previous name here on FR? Anytime a new member instantly starts pushing Tancredo it means they've been here before.

[carolinalivin]

Thompson for president and Tancredo for VP. Put him in charge of immigration enforcement.

[upcountryhorseman]

He has my support in the primary, after that, we shall
see.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Well, there goes all the anti-illegal money that some real candidate like Hunter might have used to get some name recognition.

What is wrong with Hunter that Tancredo thinks it would be better for him to run instead?

[LibLieSlayer]

Ain't it the truth!!!

LLS