Senator John Thune
Posted on 03/30/2010 8:01:00 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Today's candidate filing deadline in South Dakota marks the start of serious talk about Sen. John Thune's potential presidential campaign in 2012.
The Thune forces have been loathe to discuss his potential 2012 candidacy while there was still a possibility -- albeit it a VERY slim one -- that he could draw a serious Democratic challenge for his re-election race this fall.
But, privately, those close to Thune acknowledge that he has been receiving considerable encouragement to run and is likely to take a hard look at a national bid. Those same sources caution, however, that he remains entirely undecided and his decision will be heavily shaped by what he hears and sees in the coming months. (They also note that Thune will keep an eye closely on South Dakota to ensure he doesn't repeat the mistakes of then Sen. George Allen in 2006.)
Thune will likely focus on building out an issue portfolio via his chairmanship of the Republican Policy Committee -- the committee released a report on Iran this morning -- with a specific focus on spending and debt issues. (Thune has been an outspoken opponent of the Troubled Asset Relief Program almost since its inception -- although he did vote for the bill.)
He will also likely begin to do more for candidates running for office in 2010 via his Heartland Values PAC -- a process that will allow him to visit key early primary and caucus states to gauge support.
So, does Thune have a legitimate shot at the nomination? Here's our take on his strengths and his weaknesses.
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
The Senate has been described as 100 presidential wannabes.
Last time, some 20 Senators started out in the primaries.
==
Senators do not make good presidential material.
I like him, Ryan, Christie, Santorum and quite a few others.
I consulted my Magic Eight Ball and the answer is:
“Outlook not so good.”
That’s a fine double yolker sittin on his neck.
I hope before this is over...sanity prevails.
What does it say about Mike Pence?
He's definitely preferable over the RINO Romney or the drip Pawlenty.
John Thune defeated the (then almost considered to be invincible) Tom Daschle.
The American Conservative Union gave Senator Thune a rating of “100” in 2006.
Thune has described his religious faith as the most important aspect of his political career: “Having a Christian worldview shapes my decision-making with respect to all aspects of my life. I always respect people in public life who are principled, and those principles have to be connected to something. And my faith is what serves as the anchor and directs my actions.”
As an Evangelical Christian, Thune is pro-life and opposes federal funding for elective abortions in accordance with the Hyde Amendment.
In June 2006, Thune reaffirmed his strong support to amend the United States Constitution to ban same-sex marriage:
In a 2005 interview with Christianity Today, Thune supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, expressing a hope that this would result in greater religious freedom.
Before the selection of Sarah Palin, Thune was mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential pick for Republican Presumptive Nominee John McCain in some circles due to his strong conservative policies. Thune publicly played down the speculation.
santorum/thune 2012
But is he a limited-goverment, small ‘l’ Republican?
Don’t know if this is OK with you, but Thune helped pass another energy bill in late 2007. Thune is a particular advocate of ethanol and wind energy, which are linked to South Dakota’s high levels of corn production and its windy prairies. Thune’s hometown of Murdo is considered one of the windiest towns in the nation.
Other than Senator, Thune worked at the Small Business Administration under Ronald Reagan.
Thune was appointed Railroad Director of South Dakota by Governor George S. Mickelson and served from 1991–1993.
In 1996, Thune was elected to South Dakota’s at-large seat in the United States House of Representatives; he won reelection in 1998 and in 2000 was reelected with over 70% of the vote. Thune supported term limits and promised to serve no more than three terms in the House.
Keeping his pledge, Thune instead ran for the United States Senate, challenging Senator Tim Johnson in 2002, and losing by 524 votes (0.15%)
“In a 2005 interview with Christianity Today, Thune supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, expressing a hope that this would result in greater religious freedom.”
Well that worked out just fine, didn’t it. There’s less religious freedom now than there was under Hussein.
Oops, I forgot. They’re still under Hussein.
Two good guys. I wonder if Santorum could carry a lot of the NE plus Midwest.
I can tell you based on the polls - Florida HATES ObamaCare.
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