Posted on 08/08/2007 8:59:35 AM PDT by hardback
Reagan Vet to Head Thompson Effort
Fred Thompson tapped another veteran of the Reagan era to manage his soon-to-be-announced presidential campaign today, naming former Reagan aide Bill Lacy to replace the top adviser Thompson moved aside last month.
Lacy was a low-level campaign operative for Reagan in 1980 and later served in the White House. He also helped in Thompson's 1994 Senate bid. He replaces Tom Collamore, a former executive for Altria, the parent company of tobacco giant Philip Morris.
The announcement from Thompson Wednesday took pains to avoid calling Lacy a "campaign manager," instead using the term "committee manager." In a statement, Thompson said Lacy will have "full operational control" and will report directly to him.
Lacy's appointment is an attempt to repair the damage from Collamore's departure, which prompted several other resignations. It's also a recognition that even before Thompson's official announcement, which is expected in early September, things have not been going smoothly.
The "testing the waters" committee raised less money than aides had hoped during its first month in operation, and the campaign operations have been hampered by Thompson's drawn-out tease. Thompson's wife, Jeri, has been accused by some people close to the committee of exerting too much control over the efforts.
"My immediate goal to provide stable, hands-on leadership and to retool the Thompson operation to implement a non-traditional, message-driven effort," Lacy said in the statement.
--Michael D. Shear
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.washingtonpost.com ...
Actually it's not even that but a testing the waters committee at this point.
donna wrote: “The point is, its time for a believing conservative. It is the only way to defeat Hillary. So far, Fred doesnt have a one on staff.”
Bull crap! You’re either extemely ignorant or a liar.
Thompson Communications advisor Tim Griffin was a major in the 101st Airborne Division who volunteered for service in Mosul, Iraq as a member of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Before volunteering for duty in Iraq, Tim worked at the White House helping to guide the nomination of Judge John Roberts to confirmation as Chief Justice. Griffin is a committed conservative.
Economic Policy advisor Lawrence Lindsey is another solid conservative in Fred’s inner circle. Lindsey was a member of President Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers. His book “Growth Experiment: How the New Tax Policy Is Transforming the U.S. Economy” (1990) is a defense of supply-side economics and Reagan tax policy.
Fred’s Domestic Policy Advisor is former Rep. David McIntosh of Indiana, whose lifetime Rating from the American Conservative Union is a perfect 100%.
FDT’s Foreign Policy advisor Mark Esper is a well-known hawk on national security.
Joseph Cella, who is charge of social conservative outreach for thompson was president of the conservative Catholic organization Fidelis before joining Friends of Fred.
Just a few examples of many. Fred has surrounded himself with conservatives on his staff.
Pat Buchanan served President Reagan as the White House Communications Director from 1985-1987.
What would you say if Fred Thompson hired Buchanan?
We’re not talking about Patrick Buchanan because Fred didn’t hire him, he hired Lacy. It is ridiculous to talk about something that hasn’t happened.
Lacy worked with Fred in his 1994 campaign, they both know and trust each other. It is a good fit.
I could talk about Buchanan, but this thread is about another subject.
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