Posted on 08/12/2007 6:52:14 PM PDT by LdSentinal
Tommy Thompson's campaign just released the following statement:
Thompson Thanks Supporters, Exits Presidential Race
Madison - Saying he has 'no regrets', Governor Tommy Thompson thanked his supporters Saturday night and officially left the campaign trail.
"I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country," said Thompson. "I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America."
Thompson, who was elected to serve four terms as Wisconsin Governor and four years as Secretary of Health and Human Services, began exploring a presidential bid last December. Weeks ago, he told supporters and the news media that if he did not do well in the Iowa Straw Poll, he would step aside and leave others to work for the Republican nomination.
"No candidate is more experienced than Governor Thompson and no candidate worked harder; but sometimes the dynamics just aren't there to bring about a victory," said Steve Grubbs, Senior Advisor to Thompson's campaign. "The Governor's staff was deeply committed to him and to his candidacy. If we could have willed a victory, we would have."
Thompson will return to the private sector as well as his non-profit work after a brief time off.
"I have very much enjoyed my years in public service and I am comforted by the fact that I think I made a difference for people during that time. I hope to continue working to serve others over the next few years," said Thompson.
PAID FOR BY TOMMY THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT
Here's the story from the Milwaukee Fox affiliate:
Tommy Thompson dropped out of the race for the presidency in 2008 Sunday. He spoke with FOX 6's Ted Perry about his decision to drop out.
Thompson told Perry, "I'm outta the race."
He says, "my campaign was completely shocked. We absolutely thought we were coming in second [at the Iowa Straw Poll]. We had no doubt in our minds. The worst we thought we'd come in was third and it didn't happen that way. Something happened between the 50-yard line and the goal line. They pulled a reverse on us and we didn't see it coming."
According to the story, Thompson has not yet decided to endorse any of his now former Republican running mates for president, but said he's already been approached by some campaigns about it.
BTTT (guffaws under breath)
;)
How did he poll? What results?
My guess is that the establishment told Tommy not to run because they were grooming Bush to run.
He didn’t dump enough money into it. Some blew the whole ball of wax on the Iowa poll and it wasn’t enough.
Now if only Ron Paul would disappear.
Breaking on CNN right now.
If he throws all his support to Ron Paul, Paul would manage to get up to 2.5%.
My bet is his support goes to Romney or Thompson.
He sorta reminded me of a circus ringmaster. He would make some borderline conservative statement and then strut for a few minutes. lol
Who is going to get his family’s votes??
He sure didn’t make much of an impact when he had a cabinet position and could have made a huge positive impression on the American people. He squandered that golden opportunity.
I’m more interested to see if he will actively campaign for the GOP in Wisconsin in the actual Presidential race. Wisconsin is the most likely state to flip our way in 2008.
lol
“my campaign was completely shocked. We absolutely thought we were coming in second [at the Iowa Straw Poll]. We had no doubt in our minds. The worst we thought we’d come in was third and it didn’t happen that way. Something happened between the 50-yard line and the goal line. They pulled a reverse on us and we didn’t see it coming.”
It is very very sad to see self-delusion this entrenched.
Weeks ago, he told supporters and the news media that if he did not do well in the Iowa Straw Poll, he would step aside and leave others to work for the Republican nomination.
He went in thinking he could do very well and blew his money on it. Others went in without thinking they would beat the big money and can stick around because they didn’t blow all they had.
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