Hunter did not fall short. So called conservatives did.
You can take Thompson’s 7% and add to Hunter’s >1/2% and you would still be sucking hind teat to the point of getting out. None of them struck an accord that was needed with the voters to be a factor. Sad but that’s the way the game is played.
Hunter was the most conservative candidate. I pray that we will see him again as a Governor running for President.