Posted on 09/01/2007 11:18:33 PM PDT by anymouse
The Texas Straw Poll is one for the history books. The failure of the legislature to move up the Texas primary date, the scheduling of the event on Labor Day weekend and the first day of dove-hunting season, the limiting of participants to past convention delegates rather than Republican primary voters, and the lack of participation by the leading candidates all contributed to an extremely low turnout.
The event ended up being a showcase for Texas Congressman Ron Paul and California Congressman Duncan Hunter. Expectations were high for Ron Paul, and no doubt his supporters are disappointed by his third place showing. But Duncan Hunter, despite his lack of standing in the polls, gave an inspiring speech. And the fact that he took on the border problem in San Diego, got a wall built on the border to stem the tide of illegal immigrants, and was instrumental in the Secure Fence Border Act (which has yet to be implemented) made him a favorite with the grassroots of Texas. Here in Texas, the immigration issue rules. Memo to the other candidates: If you want to fire up the base, commit to securing our borders and our ports. Ordinary Americans are concerned about our national security. Congressman Hunter is right on this issue, and if he had the funding and the organization, he would go far. He also focused on the war on terror and the trade imbalance with China. The fact that China continues to capitalize on the trade imbalance and invests so heavily in military buildup is another national security issue, and one that needs to be addressed.
It is always good theater to attend a political event such as this, and the speeches of all five of the candidates were interesting. The fact that Senator Fred Thompson came in second and, since he is not yet an official candidate, did absolutely nothing to try to win this straw poll, demonstrates his undeniable appeal to the party faithful. And I would recommend that, as he officially launches his candidacy, he follow the example of Congressman Duncan Hunter and be a strong proponent of the Secure Fence Act. Those who say it will only be climbed over or tunneled under are missing the point. We have to close our borders, and a wall is the starting point. No system is perfect, but we must do something. It has helped curb terrorism in Israel, and it will help slow the illegal traffic of both humans, drugs, and terrorists into the United States. Just ask Duncan Hunter. It has worked in San Diego. And if you build it, Republicans will turn out to vote..
Denise McNamara Republican National Committee Texas
Fred Thompson will be the next president of the United States.
I agree. President Fred Thompson. Everyone else is backing a loser.
Nope.
And if you don't, they won't.
(Just ask Speaker Pelosi...)
No doubt that Duncan Hunter is a good man, even an admirable one, and the devotion that some folks have for him is laudable. Loyalty is a good thing.
But anyone who is thinking that there is a snowball’s chance in hedoubleell that he can get the nomination is simply indulging a delusion.
And anyone who defends such a delusion with vigor is SERIOUSLY delusional.
Even Duncan Hunter’s own campaign manager reckons Hunter hasn’t got a chance.
Actually it was the campaign’s Director of Communications, Roy Tyler, and here’s the quote:
“The chances of Hunter winning the candidacy are about as good as pushing a string through a maze.”
“The fact that Senator Fred Thompson came in second and, since he is not yet an official candidate, did absolutely nothing to try to win this straw poll, demonstrates his undeniable appeal to the party faithful.”
That is pretty powerful.
The fact is that I love both Hunter and Fred.
I’m happy.
Your cocky remarks don’t make your opinions true.
Hunter won’t win the nomination.
Hopefully some far-sighted new President will appoint Hunter to be DHS.
That’s where my hopes lie.
He was quoting someone else.
The GOP and elected Republicans in Texas need to quit ignoring the planks set forth by the party in Texas.
Too many RINOs spoil the leadership.
Thompson-Hunter 2008, the anti-Hunter S. Thompson.
LOLOL!
Excellent point! ;o)
I have spoken with the person he quoted.
I have also seen both Hunter and Thompson together
and though Thompson is a good guy, Hunter has far more background and experience than the others running.
If folks want to brag up their candidate, fine.
Trashing the most qualified person doesn’t say much for your guy.
Sorry, but this was presented in the story as a direct quote from Roy Tyler:
“A presidential hopeful spoke to the campus community about border security Wednesday despite a lack of confidence from his campaign.
“Roy Tyler, campaign director of communication for Duncan Hunter, said the chances of Hunter winning the candidacy were about as good ‘as pushing a string through a maze.’”
Now, you seem to be saying that Roy Tyler was quoting someone else. At least as this is article is written, Tyler pretty much takes ownership of the quote himself.
Pretty ironic coming from a Hunter supporter. About 85% of Hunterite posts are direct trashing of Fred Thompson.
I have personally NEVER trashed Hunter. I take some delight in tweaking his supporters who seem to harbor the notion that he can actually win, but that's another kettle of fish entirely.
You should have pinged her to this quote.
I thought you were quoting someone else.
SoCalPol...I love Duncan Hunter.
My husband was a Navy pilot in a shortly later era...however still Viet Nam.
He’s a great man, and hopefully will be a great SecDef.
One thing I would like to ask of you is that you don’t insult those of us who like Hunter, but disagree that he is electable.
Duncan is my choice.
My buddy is a Romney man.
We had a pool tournament today and my buddy placed a bet that I would get smoked.
He lost due to my competition scratching on the 8 ball twice.
Duncan reminds me of Alan Keyes.
Good man but not a chance.
Stupid media is all Romney and my buddy gets all jazzed.
I’ll have to bring up the point about him losing 10 bucks on a game he thought was a shoe in next time MSM cackles about Mr. wonderful Romney.
” About 85% of Hunterite posts are direct trashing of Fred Thompson.”
I totally agree!
Then, there are the Romney people...lol
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