Posted on 07/16/2007 4:23:05 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
FORT WORTH -- Three leading Republican presidential hopefuls won't attend Texas' first-ever straw poll over Labor Day weekend, and several more are on the fence.
But at least four candidates plan to come, and anti-war activists are moving forward with plans to hold retreats, meetings and other gatherings here that weekend and will protest at the event, which organizers expect to draw thousands of Texas Republicans -- and measure their support for GOP presidential candidates.
"This event obviously is designed for potential Republican nominees to have a dialogue with grassroots leaders," said Hans Klingler, spokesman for the Texas Republican Party. "Any other focus will be ancillary to the goal of the event.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the candidates," he said. "I would think they would be unwise to skip this."
Planning to attend so far are Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, California Rep. Duncan Hunter and Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, according to state GOP records.
Party officials hope the straw poll will draw 10,000 or more party faithful to Cowtown on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. It comes just weeks after the Aug. 11 Iowa straw poll, which is watched nationwide as an early gauge of support. Organizers say they hope Texas' straw poll will have an impact on the 2008 presidential primary election.
Some aren't so sure.
"It's just a straw poll," said Jim Riddlesperger, a political science professor at Texas Christian University. "If you had one candidate who thought they could do well here in a competitive situation, they might invest here.
"But at this point, these candidates don't want to have their futures tied to George W. Bush -- and this is his country."
Candidates
Three of the best-known candidates have said they will skip Texas' straw poll.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. He "continues to gain ground nationwide, especially in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire," said spokeswoman Gail Gitcho. By skipping Texas, Romney "can continue his strong campaigning in those early states."
Arizona Sen. John McCain, who isn't participating in the Iowa straw poll. But "Texas continues to be an important state to the senator," said spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who also isn't participating in the Iowa poll. "We simply need to focus our reserves more toward the actual election," spokesman Elliott Bundy said.
Several other candidates, including Texas congressman Ron Paul of Surfside, remain undecided about attending, according to their campaign staffs.
Most invitations were sent to candidates who have declared they are running or set up an exploratory committee. But one more went to politician and actor Fred Thompson, who has not yet responded, Klingler said.
Protests
Among the protests planned for Fort Worth over Labor Day weekend is the "People's Straw Poll in Iraq," an anti-war rally spearheaded by Texans for Peace, a nonprofit anti-war group.
"We'd like the Republicans to see just how many people are opposed to this war and would like to get our troops out now," said Alyssa Burgin, a spokeswoman for Texans for Peace, which she said is nonpartisan.
Burgin said the group expects activists from Texas and neighboring states at the event.
Fort Worth police officer Ed Adcock confirmed that local activists have been talking with police about protest plans, including possibly holding a rally Sept. 1 on Main Street between Eighth and Ninth streets and at nearby General Worth Square.
The Dallas Peace Center will be represented at the event, said state Rep. Lon Burnam, a Fort Worth Democrat and executive director of the center.
"They have a right to gather and have a straw poll in Fort Worth," he said. "We have the right to participate in a protest in Fort Worth."
Online: www.texasgop.org
Straw poll at a glance
The nonbinding poll is intended to informally gauge public opinion on the candidates.
The poll will include all GOP candidates, whether or not they attend.
The poll is Aug. 31-Sept. 1 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St.
Cost is $50 for delegates who register online before Aug. 24. In-person registration costs $75.
The event is expected to have a $1.3 million economic impact on Fort Worth.
About 41,000 people are eligible to attend -- those who were delegates or alternates to one of the last four GOP state conventions or one of the last two GOP national conventions.
Who's coming, who's not
Candidate In or Out
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback In
Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore Campaign suspended because of emergency eye surgery.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani Out
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee In
California Rep. Duncan Hunter In
Arizona Sen. John McCain Out
Texas Rep. Ron Paul Undecided
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Out
Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo In
Politician-turned-actor Fred Thompson (who has yet to declare candidacy) Didn't respond
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson Didn't respond
Sources: Star-Telegram research, Republican Party of Texas
Dallas considered for televised debate
Not long after Fort Worth hosts Texas' first GOP straw poll in September, Dallas may play host to a televised debate for the same Republican presidential hopefuls.
U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, said she has encouraged the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, which is sponsoring the event, to consider Dallas as the site. "This is a great chance to demonstrate Texas hospitality to voters across the nation," she said.
Caucus and FOX News officials will be in Dallas on Thursday to scout sites, said Georgella Muirhead, spokeswoman for the caucus debate committee. No date has been set for the debate, she said.
"Dallas is the first city they are visiting and one of the cities they are considering," Muirhead said. "But it's very preliminary."
-- Anna M. Tinsley
atinsley@star-telegram.com Anna M. Tinsley, 817-390-7610 Aman Batheja, 817-390-7695
Yep and I don’t think Americans are in any mood to be ignored by candidates who think they’re above the common folks.
Cowtown Ping!
+1!
Several other candidates, including Texas congressman Ron Paul of Surfside, remain undecided about attending, according to their campaign staffs.
I wish them good luck but even Ames is having trouble drawing the big boys this year.
Looks like our guy is planning to attend.
As long as he’s not to busy to do the FR virtual presser.
He can do that from anywhere but it’s important that he goes to as many of these smaller events as possible.
I agree. Sam just forwarded him the collection of Freeper questions I sent the other day, after sifting thru the list from our “ask Hunter” thread.
Of course, no one had more than on question on the list except me. LOL
Now, just what gave you the idea that Texans are “common folk”? (grin)
on = one
When I was in Texas back in the 80s I didn’t meet too many Texans, mostly misplaced Okies.
Yeah, during the oil boom we thought we were going to be overun by Okies and other yankee transplants. Now we’re being overun from a different border.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Arizona Sen. John McCain.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Gutless wonders all.
Tina is in Corpus Christi today. I’ll try and pass this on to her.
Meet With Texas Republican Party Chairman Tina Benkiser
Tuesday, July 17th at 11:30 A.M.
Silverado Smokehouse
4522 Weber Rd.
Tina will share what’s cooking in the Texas Party during a Non-election year
Benkiser surprising did not support GWB on illegal immigration. Normally, she had been a party establishment person.
Neither did Denise McNamara, Bill Crocker and a majority of the RNC from what I hear.
No surprise that McCain and Giuliani would skip an event dominated by Conservatives.
Tells you something about ol’ Mitt that he feels the same way.
Somehow, I think it's appropriate that anti-war activists attend "retreats."
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