President Tancredo? Just Maybe, If You Believe This Poll

Human Events Online ^ | 04/27/06 | Robert B. Bluey

[VU4G10]

A new poll from Rasmussen Reports has some bad news for Republicans—well, almost all Republicans. If you’re Rep. Tom Tancredo (R.-Colo.), the news couldn’t be better.

While a generic Republican candidate trails a generic Democrat by 12 percentage points, according to the poll, a third-party candidate who runs on a get-tough-on-immigration platform not only beats the Republican, but also actually runs even with the Democrat. Here’s an excerpt:

The survey also asked respondents how they would vote if "a third party candidate ran in 2008 and promised to build a barrier along the Mexican border and make enforcement of immigration law his top priority."

With that option, support fell sharply for both major parties. The Democrats still come out on top with support from 31% of Americans. The third party candidate moved into a virtual tie at 30% while the GOP fell to 21%.

If anyone fits Rasmussen’s description it’s Tancredo, who has made a very public name for himself as the anti-illegal-immigration crusader in Congress. And having spent time in both Iowa and New Hampshire beginning last year, he’s posited himself to be the candidate who could play spoiler.

Coming back to reality for just one moment, I should note the rest of the Rasmussen commentary about the poll numbers:

This result probably reflects unhappiness with both parties on the immigration issue rather than a true opportunity for a third party. Historically, issues that drive third party candidates get co-opted by one of the major parties as they demonstrate popular appeal. Most Americans favor a barrier along the border and enforcement of existing law prior to other reforms.

With the immigration issue candidate as an option, 36% of conservative voters opt for the Republican candidate while 35% take the third party option. Among political moderates, 34% pick the Democrat while 32% prefer the third party option.

I’d recommend reading the full Rasmussen summary as well as my post last night about the new Diageo/Hotline poll on Democrats.

[Scribbz]

I can't wait to see the response to this posting!

[John Jorsett]

Tancredo's been making noises like he'll run in the 2008 primary, if for no other reason than to force the other presidential candidates to take a stand on the illegal immigration issue. I hope he does it.

[altura]

Has immigration really become the most important thing in the world to everyone, or is this temporary insanity??

[VU4G10]

FreeRepublic.com

If the White House and GOP controlled congress does not act immediately to seal the borders, penalize employers who hire illegals and deport illegals when caught, how will it affect your vote in November?

I will continue to vote GOP
41.4%
I will vote third party
31.1%
I will stay home
21.4%
I will vote for the Democrat
6.1%

[Old_Mil]

Now see here, all you conservatives better just shut up and keep voting for Republicans no matter what we do.

"I make the decisions." /sarc

[MaineVoter2002]

I saw some Tancredo websites. I hope we can solve this illegal alien problem soon. I am interested in what Tancredo's other beliefs are.

ELECTION 2006 LINKS

[DTogo]

The current GOP stance on immigration is certainly pushing the party into the Rio Grande for Nov. '06 and '08.

Giuliani-Tancredo '08 might be a good ticket if Rudy were to promise Tom would have free reign over immigration enforcement and border security if elected.

[Cyber Liberty]

A one-issue wonder. Not a chance.

[Old_Mil]

"I'm not a crook!"

...just posting the posts RINOs don't want to post.

[Pukin Dog]

I think I could get more votes than Tancredo.

President Pukin?

[cmsgop]

Tancredo's entrance might shake things up alright with Rudy,George and John, but thats along ways away in Political Time as we know.

[stopem]

Stranger things have happened, I am sure all of us who are disgusted with the pro-illegal traitors would definitely vote for him.

Heard today that the socialist, marxist demand demonstration on May,1 are saying that it's "good for America" well fool don't even try to tell AMERICANS what good for us we can smell fertilizer socialist LIBERAL agenda and propaganda a mile away or more.

[MPJackal]

"a third-party candidate who runs on a get-tough-on-immigration platform not only beats the Republican, but also actually runs even with the Democrat"

Yea, until the media start the attack machine on this obvious racist that only other sick racist right wing wackos could support. Are you one of those racist? You want to starve poor little Mexican babies? You make me sick. Your just like the Nazis.

Get the point?

[samadams2000]

You obviously dont live in San Jose, Ca.

[cmsgop]

I took an informal Poll with 5 GOP Cops 1 RINO 3 MOD and one Paleo. Rudy got 4 out of 5 Votes over McCain.

[krunkygirl]

I'll support anybody who is tough on issues important to conservatives.

[mission9]

Doesn't Gingrich want to get tough on immigration?

[ARCADIA]

I will vote for him whether he runs or not. He is the only one with any credibility on the issue of illegal immigration. Most of the rest have only discovered that we had borders within the last few weeks.

[Howlin]

CBS News Poll. April 6-9, 2006. N=899 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.
					.
"What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?" Open-ended
					.
			%
	War in Iraq		27
	Economy/Jobs		13
	Immigration		7
	Terrorism (general)		6
	Health care		5
	President Bush		4
	Gas/Heating oil crisis		4
	Poverty/Homelessness		4
	Other		26
	Unsure		4