Jeri Thompson's energy provides a jolt for her husband's campaign

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | November 01 2007 | Carla Marinucci

[calcowgirl]

Though she protested at Maria Shriver's women's conference last week that she is really not involved and mostly into the mom thing with her young children, it was clear in the Golden State this week that Jeri Thompson -- a former political consultant -- is front and center, literally, at her husband's press events in Sacramento and San Francisco, where she sat and observed it all.

In Sacramento, Mrs. Thompson took to the hallways before the event, armed with a big smile and a firm handshake, gamely introducing herself, energetically circulating among the crowd of conservative legislators who had endorsed her husband -- such as state Sen. Tom McClintock, Sen. Jim Battin and Assemblyman Chuck Devore.

(snip)

Fred Thompson limited access to short press conferences and turned away most TV interviews. For the second time in a state visit, the only outlet given access to him for any extended period of time was Flashreport.org, a Republican Web site.

The former Tennessee senator made news, some of it head-scratching to California Republicans, starting with his acknowledgement that he did not care to pursue the endorsement of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who enjoys support of upwards of 60 percent of state voters.

"It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to not focus on the most popular elected statewide official in all of California -- and lead with (conservative McClintock) who has lost four statewide elections," said one senior GOP strategist who spoke not for attribution.

Adam Mendelsohn, the communications director for the governor, said only that "it is important that Republican candidates understand what matters to California Republicans -- as much as they try to communicate to Iowa Republicans. And that if you are serious about winning in California, the message to the most-arch conservative Iowa Republican doesn't resonate here."

[calcowgirl]

...his acknowledgement that he did not care to pursue the endorsement of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Lets see.

Arnold the RAT

or...

endorsements of Sens. Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks (Ventura County), Jim Battin of La Quinta (Riverside County), Sam Aanestad of Grass Valley (Nevada County) and George Runner of Lancaster (Los Angeles County); Assemblymen John Benoit of Palm Desert (Riverside County), Tom Berryhill of Modesto (Stanislaus County) and Chuck DeVore, the GOP whip from Irvine.

Good choice, Fred. (Of course, the Purple Party RINO nameless operatives and the SF Chron never miss a shot at dissing McClintock.)

[2ndDivisionVet]

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a squishy RINO that should’ve run as a democrat. I’m glad Fred isn’t seeking his endorsement.

[ElkGroveDan]

The former Tennessee senator made news, some of it head-scratching ... that he did not care to pursue the endorsement of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Head-scratching maybe to RINOs and reporters. Arnold is an extreme leftist. I would look at his endorsement the way I would look at Barbara Boxer's endorsement.

Good for Fred.

[calcowgirl]

I consider it a badge of honor!

So, who do you think the nameless GOP consultant was?

[trisham]

I think it's great that Jeri is so supportive. I also think it's great that she is keeping the children with her.

[Brilliant]

The headline is an underhanded compliment. Basically, they are saying that Thompson would have no energy but for the efforts of his wife.

Stuff you’d expect from the SF Chronicle.

[ElkGroveDan]

So, who do you think the nameless GOP consultant was?

Dan Schnur, possibly Kevin Spillane or Matt Rexroad.

[Politicalmom]

If this was a pic with the Hildebeast, the guy on the right would have handcuffs on. :)

[Politicalmom]

PING!!

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

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[trisham]

No kidding!

[trisham]

I admire Jeri's commitment. Good for her!

[Dr. Sivana]

"It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to not focus on the most popular elected statewide official in all of California -- and lead with (conservative McClintock) who has lost four statewide elections," said one senior GOP strategist who spoke not for attribution.

Uhhh . . . Mr. Senior Strategist (who undoubtedly had a role in a buncha losing campaigns), Fred is running in a PRI-mary. The winner of a general election is unimportant for the time being. People who vote in Republican primaries are important, that means a bunch of McClintock supporters, and a buncha Schwarzenegger dislikers.

[marlon]

What’s amazing to me is that Hillary can claim being the “wife” of A President gives her more expierence than anyone else but they attack the wife of Fred for getting involved in his campaign.

[CottonBall]

The headline is an underhanded compliment. Basically, they are saying that Thompson would have no energy but for the efforts of his wife.

That's what I thought. Articles like this do more harm with its implications than help. Plus - where's all the articles about the other candidates' wives?

[Brilliant]

They are not trying to help him. They are trying to hurt him.

[Shortstop7]

Boy, the Chronicle staff sure have their “panties in a wad” about Fred, don’t they? Heh heh.

[iowamark]

Jeri Thompson provides a Jolt for her husband's campaign

[Bobbisox]

I don't know about you all, but I would bet Fred enjoys having his wife on his arm. Would you say the same thing about Billyboy? I'm sure he would prefer to have Jeri on his arm too.

Fred Thompson will move steadily into the lead from this point forward.