Last Wednesday's debate victory by Fred Thompson was the turning of the tide in Iowa. It was a hands down win. Not even the press disputes that Fred prevailed.
The campaign promised that Fred would move to Iowa, leaving only to spend Christmas in Tennessee with his family. Today Fred began his "Clear Conservative Choice: Hands Down!" bus tour of the Hawkeye State, and he began it with a bang!
That big bang was an all-0ut endorsement from Iowa Representative Steve King. Congressman King represents Iowa's Fifth Congressional District, and represents most of Western Iowa. To him, immigration in the top issue. He indicated this morning that after meeting with all of the Republican presidential hopefuls face-to-face, he made his choice based on Fred's principles.
The Thompson campaign issued the following statement:
"Congressman King's leadership in support of the sanctity of life and his efforts in the fight against illegal immigration have made him one of Iowa's great Republican leaders. He's a tireless fighter for the 5th District of Iowa and I am honored by his support. I look forward to working with Congressman King over the next three weeks and into 2008 in support of the traditional conservative values he and I share."
And this endorsement is MORE than just a press release: Congressman King will campaign with the bus tour for the next 17 days.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Our own Hank Butehorn Goes National!
Hank Butehorn is the Friends of Fred Monmouth-Ocean area coordinator, and a member of the Friends of Fred NJ Legal Team. He is also on the board of Conservatives with Attitude! which hosts one of NJ's most traveled political websites.
This past week, Hank published an article on www.conservativeswithattitude.com, which is a must-read for all Thompson supporters. Hank's eloquent post has now gone national. It now stands on the leader board of top reader posts on www.realclearpolitics.com.
Hank has received an unusually high number of emails praising his article.
If you haven't read the article, then go to www.realclearpolitics.com and read Hank's article under the favorite reader posts, then vote for Hank!
This past week, Hank published an article on www.conservativeswithattitude.com, which is a must-read for all Thompson supporters. Hank's eloquent post has now gone national. It now stands on the leader board of top reader posts on www.realclearpolitics.com.
Hank has received an unusually high number of emails praising his article.
If you haven't read the article, then go to www.realclearpolitics.com and read Hank's article under the favorite reader posts, then vote for Hank!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fred's Focus on Issues Results in High Positives in Poll among NJ Conservatives
Fred Thompson is leading the way among conservatives in NJ, according to an email poll conducted this week. The poll was conducted by email to a conservative Republican email distribution list associated with Conservatives With Attitude!
Conservatives were asked to name the two candidates that they were most likely to vote for in the February 5, 2008 GOP Primary for President, and the two candidates they were least likely to choose.
Fred had the highest positives: He was named on 52% of the responses as one of the two candidates the respondents were most likely to vote for. He had the lowest negatives: He was named in only 11% of the responses as one of the two candidates the respondents were least likely to vote for.
Three candidates were viewed positively by respondents:
positive negative net
Fred Thompson +52% 11% +41%
Mike Huckabee +34% 19% +15%
Mitt Romney +34% 21% +13%
Three had upside-down numbers, being viewed negatively:
Ron Paul +32% 45% -13%
Rudy Giuliani +27% 45% -18%
John McCain +18% 57% -39%
Among New Jersey conservative Republicans, Fred Thompson has the best overall standing. He has very low negatives, and for good reason: He has focused on the issues of taxation, Social Security reform and illegal immigration reform. All of his proposals have been detailed and well-reasoned, and appeal to voters across the board, but most especially conservatives.
Conservatives were asked to name the two candidates that they were most likely to vote for in the February 5, 2008 GOP Primary for President, and the two candidates they were least likely to choose.
Fred had the highest positives: He was named on 52% of the responses as one of the two candidates the respondents were most likely to vote for. He had the lowest negatives: He was named in only 11% of the responses as one of the two candidates the respondents were least likely to vote for.
Three candidates were viewed positively by respondents:
positive negative net
Fred Thompson +52% 11% +41%
Mike Huckabee +34% 19% +15%
Mitt Romney +34% 21% +13%
Three had upside-down numbers, being viewed negatively:
Ron Paul +32% 45% -13%
Rudy Giuliani +27% 45% -18%
John McCain +18% 57% -39%
Among New Jersey conservative Republicans, Fred Thompson has the best overall standing. He has very low negatives, and for good reason: He has focused on the issues of taxation, Social Security reform and illegal immigration reform. All of his proposals have been detailed and well-reasoned, and appeal to voters across the board, but most especially conservatives.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Reagan's Eleven
This morning, I read Hank Butehorn's insightful article "No Once Criticizes Thompson's Policy or Message" ( see http://gopusa.com/wordpress/). After reading Hank's post, I experienced an epiphany.
My epiphany had to do with President Reagan's Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of thy fellow Republican." For the first time, I understood a very important reason why conservatives especially must abide by this imperative.
As Hank so eloquently argued, conservative ideas in general and the consistent conservative message of Fred Thompson in particular wins elections. When we stoop to attack our fellow Republican on his or her character or religion or kindergarten essay we stray from our conservative ideals. And when we abandon our ideals, we eventually lose.
Pundits like to distract us from our message. I guess it sells their media. But honestly it is not our job to sell their media. It is our responsibility to our candidate, to our party and indeed to our nation to make sure that Fred Thompson wins this nomination and then the 2008 general election. Thus, as individual Fred Heads, we must resist the temptation to engage in mud fights. We should certainly compare the candidates records, but continue to emphasize Fred's consistent conservative record.
To that end we should all take the time to learn more about the issues at www.fred08.com.
If we continue to do these things, and if Republicans just vote their conscience, the Fred will win the nomination.
My epiphany had to do with President Reagan's Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of thy fellow Republican." For the first time, I understood a very important reason why conservatives especially must abide by this imperative.
As Hank so eloquently argued, conservative ideas in general and the consistent conservative message of Fred Thompson in particular wins elections. When we stoop to attack our fellow Republican on his or her character or religion or kindergarten essay we stray from our conservative ideals. And when we abandon our ideals, we eventually lose.
Pundits like to distract us from our message. I guess it sells their media. But honestly it is not our job to sell their media. It is our responsibility to our candidate, to our party and indeed to our nation to make sure that Fred Thompson wins this nomination and then the 2008 general election. Thus, as individual Fred Heads, we must resist the temptation to engage in mud fights. We should certainly compare the candidates records, but continue to emphasize Fred's consistent conservative record.
To that end we should all take the time to learn more about the issues at www.fred08.com.
If we continue to do these things, and if Republicans just vote their conscience, the Fred will win the nomination.
Raise Your Hand If Your Think Fred Won the Debate
Lest you think that yesterday's entry was mere spin from a partisan spin doctor, the political pundits agree that Fred won yesterday's debate in Iowa. If we had a show of hands among the punditocracy, they would all be raising their hands to signify that Fred kicked butt.
According to the Weekly Standard, voice of the thoughtful conservative: "The winner was Fred Thompson. Fred came to play. . . . Fred had his best day of the campaign. He was serious, thoughtful and authoritative. It was a wonderful day for him."
Local writer, David Yespen of the influential Des Moines Register wrote, "Fred Thompson did himself the most good in Wednesday's debate among presidential candidates in Iowa."
Not one but three journalists at the American Spectator called the debate for Fred (Phillip Klein, Jennifer Rubin and John Tabin). Mr. Klein was very complimentary:
"Fred Thompson was the only candidate who stood out . . . . He demonstrated conviction, showed that he was able to stand up for his convictions, that he was a man who valued substance, a leader rather than a follower . . . In short, today Thompson was everything that conservatives hoped they'd be getting when he announced his candidacy . . . Thompson stands to be the major beneficiary of any Huckabee fall."
Jim Garaughty of National Review Online really understands our candidate: "This guy looks like he could eat most of the rest of the field for lunch."
And in trash talk terms, Marc Hemingway wrote, "it's like Thompson came to the debate in Des Moines today to do two things: Kick butt and chew gum. And it appears that he's all out of gum."
In all, twelve commenatators that we can find so far have declared Fred the winner. This will be remembered as the moment the tide turned in Iowa and in the entire race. It will be remembered as the debate where Fred acted like a president, one who does not answer a request for a show of hands from a reporter. Take heart, Thompson supporters, Fred is still the man.
According to the Weekly Standard, voice of the thoughtful conservative: "The winner was Fred Thompson. Fred came to play. . . . Fred had his best day of the campaign. He was serious, thoughtful and authoritative. It was a wonderful day for him."
Local writer, David Yespen of the influential Des Moines Register wrote, "Fred Thompson did himself the most good in Wednesday's debate among presidential candidates in Iowa."
Not one but three journalists at the American Spectator called the debate for Fred (Phillip Klein, Jennifer Rubin and John Tabin). Mr. Klein was very complimentary:
"Fred Thompson was the only candidate who stood out . . . . He demonstrated conviction, showed that he was able to stand up for his convictions, that he was a man who valued substance, a leader rather than a follower . . . In short, today Thompson was everything that conservatives hoped they'd be getting when he announced his candidacy . . . Thompson stands to be the major beneficiary of any Huckabee fall."
Jim Garaughty of National Review Online really understands our candidate: "This guy looks like he could eat most of the rest of the field for lunch."
And in trash talk terms, Marc Hemingway wrote, "it's like Thompson came to the debate in Des Moines today to do two things: Kick butt and chew gum. And it appears that he's all out of gum."
In all, twelve commenatators that we can find so far have declared Fred the winner. This will be remembered as the moment the tide turned in Iowa and in the entire race. It will be remembered as the debate where Fred acted like a president, one who does not answer a request for a show of hands from a reporter. Take heart, Thompson supporters, Fred is still the man.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Fred Kicks the Door Open in Iowa Debate
Early reports are in from Iowa, where the GOP candidates debated for the final time before the Hawkeye Cauci. (Limbaughese for the Iowa Caucuses.) By all accounts Fred Thompson stole the show. After the debate, Brit Hume commented that Fred had some Reaganesque moments.
Senator George Allen exclaimed that Fred Thompson kicked the door open in Iowa!
With Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee in a mud-wrestling holy war, the opportunity was there for Fred, and apparently he took it.
Fred's numbers have held strong at 14 percent in Iowa - third place behind the dueling governors. His performance today can only help.
Senator George Allen exclaimed that Fred Thompson kicked the door open in Iowa!
With Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee in a mud-wrestling holy war, the opportunity was there for Fred, and apparently he took it.
Fred's numbers have held strong at 14 percent in Iowa - third place behind the dueling governors. His performance today can only help.
Thompson's Jersey Guys Wearing Out Shoe Leather
Much like their leader, the Friends of Fred are working feverishly to win the hearts and minds of New Jersey voters. While Fred and Jeri cross the highways and by-ways of Iowa and South Carolina, our team members are traversing the state from Wantage to West Cape May and from Bridgeton to North Bergen.
"We started with a mission - to get Fred on the ballot for the New Jersey primary," said state coordinator Tim Howes. "We accomplished that and far more. Thirty-eight volunteers collected signatures, and along the way, we built a fully functional organization statewide. I really did not expect the enthusiasm that I discovered."
Team Thompson volunteers have secured endorsements from Mayors and Municipal GOP Chairs. Team Thompson secured the endorsement of distinguished legislator, Guy Gregg and of the pro-life activist group Catholic Voices. Team Thomspson introduced Jeri Thompson to a group of conservative activist. And Team Thomspon accomplished all that without one paid campaign staffer or one square foot of office space in the state.
January promises to be a very full month of rallys and surrogate appearances for our speakers. "We are very energized," said Sean Connelly, "we're energized because we have the right candidate. When the race is over, Thompson will still be standing head and shoulders above the rest."
From your mouth to God's ear Sean!
"We started with a mission - to get Fred on the ballot for the New Jersey primary," said state coordinator Tim Howes. "We accomplished that and far more. Thirty-eight volunteers collected signatures, and along the way, we built a fully functional organization statewide. I really did not expect the enthusiasm that I discovered."
Team Thompson volunteers have secured endorsements from Mayors and Municipal GOP Chairs. Team Thompson secured the endorsement of distinguished legislator, Guy Gregg and of the pro-life activist group Catholic Voices. Team Thomspson introduced Jeri Thompson to a group of conservative activist. And Team Thomspon accomplished all that without one paid campaign staffer or one square foot of office space in the state.
January promises to be a very full month of rallys and surrogate appearances for our speakers. "We are very energized," said Sean Connelly, "we're energized because we have the right candidate. When the race is over, Thompson will still be standing head and shoulders above the rest."
From your mouth to God's ear Sean!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Jeri Thompson Brings Consistent Conservative Campaign to NJ Tele-conference
This morning, the Tuesday Group, a private forum for center-right activists, held a telephone conference and roundtable on the 2008 presidential election. One of the featured participants was our future First Lady, Jeri Thompson.
Ms. Thompson spoke eloquently on a variety of topics during the forum, and showed once again that she has an intellect and understanding of policy that is second to none. Alan Ashkinaze, the forum moderator and group leader, expressed gratitude for the appearance.
The appearance is the first of any kind by either Fred or Geri in the Garden State during this election cycle. This appearance should signal to Republicans and to New Jersey conservatives in particular that Friends of Fred is serious about New Jersey.
Fred's consistent conservative record and message resonates with New Jerseyans. He has a 100% pro-life voting record and has received the National Right to Life endorsement. His economic policies recieve a good review from the Club for Growth. The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post have given Fred rave reviews for his detailed proposals.
Ms. Thompson spoke eloquently on a variety of topics during the forum, and showed once again that she has an intellect and understanding of policy that is second to none. Alan Ashkinaze, the forum moderator and group leader, expressed gratitude for the appearance.
The appearance is the first of any kind by either Fred or Geri in the Garden State during this election cycle. This appearance should signal to Republicans and to New Jersey conservatives in particular that Friends of Fred is serious about New Jersey.
Fred's consistent conservative record and message resonates with New Jerseyans. He has a 100% pro-life voting record and has received the National Right to Life endorsement. His economic policies recieve a good review from the Club for Growth. The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post have given Fred rave reviews for his detailed proposals.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Guy Gregg to lead Thompson campaign in Jersey
There are but a few recognized conservative leaders in New Jersey. Assemblyman Guy Gregg is one among those few. Sources say that the Friends of Fred Thompson will announce this coming week that Assemblyman Gregg will chair the Thompson campaign here in the Garden State.
Guy Gregg has represented the 24th Legislative District, which covers Sussex County and parts of Hunterdon and Morris Counties since 1994. A fiscal watchdog, he has held leadership posts with the Assembly Republicans over the past decade.
Guy is a restaurant entrepreneur, who owned and operated the Publick House in Chester for many years. During that time, he became actively involved in the National Restaurant Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, two groups that are powerful advocates for fiscal conservatism.
Guy's fiscal conservative record and his support of the Second Amendment make him the ideal leader for Fred in New Jersey.
Guy Gregg has represented the 24th Legislative District, which covers Sussex County and parts of Hunterdon and Morris Counties since 1994. A fiscal watchdog, he has held leadership posts with the Assembly Republicans over the past decade.
Guy is a restaurant entrepreneur, who owned and operated the Publick House in Chester for many years. During that time, he became actively involved in the National Restaurant Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, two groups that are powerful advocates for fiscal conservatism.
Guy's fiscal conservative record and his support of the Second Amendment make him the ideal leader for Fred in New Jersey.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Thompson NJ Legal Team: Not the Usual Suspects
At the core of the Fred Thompson campaign in the Garden State is an experienced and savvy legal team with decades of experience in ballot access, election law and election recounts. Meet the leadership of the Thompson legal team:
SEAN CONNELLY (Jersey City NJ). Sean is the best dressed member of this or any other legal team. Sean is a partner in Barry, Tiernan & Wettinger, where he specializes in civil litigation. He is former Corporation Counsel in Jersey City, serving under legendary Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler. Sean played a prominent role in Mayor Schundler's victory in the 2001 GOP gubernatorial primary.
DONALD O'SULLIVAN (Hoboken NJ). Don is a matriomonial attorney with offices in New York City. Coming from a public relations background, he has been part of presidential campaigns in the metropolitan area for over thirty years.
HANK BUTEHORN (Port Monmouth NJ). Hank is a litigator and a political activist. He serves on the board of Conservatives with Attutude!, a division of GOPUSA. Hank has been the leader of the ballot access team in Central New Jersey.
TED MACIAG (Montgomery NJ). Ted's election law experience dates back to the Kean-Florio recount in 1981. Ted has served as Mongtomery Mayor, Montgomery GOP Chair and has represented many state, local and county campaigns. He served as co-chair with Tim Howes of Lawyers for Schundler, 2001 and 2005.
TIM HOWES (Gladstone NJ). Tim is a partner in the firm of Howes & Howes. He is past Borough Council President in Peapack-Gladstone and past State Chair of the National Federation of Independent Business Leadership Council. He served as co-chair with Ted Maciag of Lawyers for Schundler, 2001 and 2005.
There are many other lawyers involved in the campaign. Any attorney who is interested in joining the campaign should contact tim.howes@njcases.com.
FURTHER LEADERSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. STAY TUNED.
SEAN CONNELLY (Jersey City NJ). Sean is the best dressed member of this or any other legal team. Sean is a partner in Barry, Tiernan & Wettinger, where he specializes in civil litigation. He is former Corporation Counsel in Jersey City, serving under legendary Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler. Sean played a prominent role in Mayor Schundler's victory in the 2001 GOP gubernatorial primary.
DONALD O'SULLIVAN (Hoboken NJ). Don is a matriomonial attorney with offices in New York City. Coming from a public relations background, he has been part of presidential campaigns in the metropolitan area for over thirty years.
HANK BUTEHORN (Port Monmouth NJ). Hank is a litigator and a political activist. He serves on the board of Conservatives with Attutude!, a division of GOPUSA. Hank has been the leader of the ballot access team in Central New Jersey.
TED MACIAG (Montgomery NJ). Ted's election law experience dates back to the Kean-Florio recount in 1981. Ted has served as Mongtomery Mayor, Montgomery GOP Chair and has represented many state, local and county campaigns. He served as co-chair with Tim Howes of Lawyers for Schundler, 2001 and 2005.
TIM HOWES (Gladstone NJ). Tim is a partner in the firm of Howes & Howes. He is past Borough Council President in Peapack-Gladstone and past State Chair of the National Federation of Independent Business Leadership Council. He served as co-chair with Ted Maciag of Lawyers for Schundler, 2001 and 2005.
There are many other lawyers involved in the campaign. Any attorney who is interested in joining the campaign should contact tim.howes@njcases.com.
FURTHER LEADERSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. STAY TUNED.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Another Arkansas Governor?
Governor Huckabee appears to be on the move in the Republican primary for president. The former governor of Arkansas is engaging and charismatic. The country once elected an engaging and charismatic Arkansas governor, and the country suffered.
Now that is not to suggest that Mike Huckabee is Bill Clinton. There are clear differences. The first one is that Gov. Huckabee is pro-life. Governor Huckabee's position on the right to life is identical to Fred's position, and he deserves respect for his unabashed defense of the unborn while under the national spotlight.
But being pro-life does not make one a conservative. For instance, if Ted Kennedy all of a sudden started preaching pro-life doctrine would he be considered a conservative? Absolutely not! He would be considered a pro-life socialist. Similarly, the fact that he is unabashedly pro-life does not make Mike Huckabee a conservative.
For that, we have to look at his record as governor.
According to the Arkansas Leader (Editorial, November 30, 2007), Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in 12. According to their editor, Huckabee raised the sales tax by 1.5 cents on the dollar and expanded it to cover more services. He raised the motor fuels tax, the mixed drink tax, the cigarette tax and a number of other government fees and taxes. And according to the editor, the aggregate of Clinton's tax cuts dwarf any Huckabee tax cuts.
The Club for Growth has published a white paper on Huckabee's record on economic issues. It is very informative. The Club for Growth concludes: "While Governor Huckabee's record displays some flashes of economic conservatism, especially during his early years, the overwhelming evidence of his record and rhetoric over the past ten years leaves the Club for Growth and economic conservatives around the country to wonder if a President Huckabee would espouse the relatively pro-growth policies . . . circa 1997 or the anti-growth policies of Governor Huckabee circa 2004."
Gov. Huckabee's record on economic issues pales when set next to Fred's voting record. When all is said and done, Gov. Huckabee can not credibly claim to be the consistent conservative that Fred has been.
Now that is not to suggest that Mike Huckabee is Bill Clinton. There are clear differences. The first one is that Gov. Huckabee is pro-life. Governor Huckabee's position on the right to life is identical to Fred's position, and he deserves respect for his unabashed defense of the unborn while under the national spotlight.
But being pro-life does not make one a conservative. For instance, if Ted Kennedy all of a sudden started preaching pro-life doctrine would he be considered a conservative? Absolutely not! He would be considered a pro-life socialist. Similarly, the fact that he is unabashedly pro-life does not make Mike Huckabee a conservative.
For that, we have to look at his record as governor.
According to the Arkansas Leader (Editorial, November 30, 2007), Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in 12. According to their editor, Huckabee raised the sales tax by 1.5 cents on the dollar and expanded it to cover more services. He raised the motor fuels tax, the mixed drink tax, the cigarette tax and a number of other government fees and taxes. And according to the editor, the aggregate of Clinton's tax cuts dwarf any Huckabee tax cuts.
The Club for Growth has published a white paper on Huckabee's record on economic issues. It is very informative. The Club for Growth concludes: "While Governor Huckabee's record displays some flashes of economic conservatism, especially during his early years, the overwhelming evidence of his record and rhetoric over the past ten years leaves the Club for Growth and economic conservatives around the country to wonder if a President Huckabee would espouse the relatively pro-growth policies . . . circa 1997 or the anti-growth policies of Governor Huckabee circa 2004."
Gov. Huckabee's record on economic issues pales when set next to Fred's voting record. When all is said and done, Gov. Huckabee can not credibly claim to be the consistent conservative that Fred has been.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Road to a Contested Convention
The only thing upon which the pundits can agree is that the Republican nomination for president is up for grabs. Fred is likely to score a considerable number of delegates on Super Tuesday (see most recent blog entry), but the nomination will not be decided on that day.
With no clear frontrunner and several contenders, it appears that no candidate will enter the convention with enough comitted delegates to win the nomination. The last time the party held a contested convention was in 1976.
In 1976, President Ford had won more delegates than President Reagan, but did not have enough to secure the nomination. There was a real, clear sense that either candidate could win. Ford was a true Rockefeller Republican in every sense of the word. Indeed, his vice president at that time was Nelson Rockefeller. Reagan was the favorite of the strong national defense conservative wing of the party.
Strong national defense was then, like today, the issue of the day. We were facing what appeared to be a militarily strong enemy in the Soviet Union, and were coming off of the divisive period of Vietnam and Watergate. The Right to Life was then, as it is today, a major issue. On the heels of Roe v. Wade, the party's platform first included the pro-life plank.
Fred's personal and political history is strongly rooted in the 1976 convention. His mentor, Tennessee Senator Howard Baker delivered the keynote address. In his address, he spoke words that resonate today with the timeless ideals of Republican Party:
"My friends, for decades the Democratic Party have peddled the patronizing notion that only in Washington are officials wise enough or far sighted enough to decide for us what our priorities should be, how we should spend our taxes, what our goals should be, how we should organize our communities . . . "
It was at the right hand of Senatory Baker that Fred learned about limited government and less taxes, those cornerstones of Republican beliefs.
In the end, the Republican Party nominated Gerald Ford by a vote of 1187 to 1070. That Reagan was able to come that close against an incumbent president speaks volumes about the power of conservative ideas. After Ford won the nomination, Reagan was given the podium. He delivered an historic speech that electrified the party.
It is quite likely that no one, not even Fred, will win enough delegates to enter the convention as the nominee. We must learn the lessons of that 1976 convention. Ford won the nomination but lost the general election to Jimmy Carter, and a disaster ensued. This time, we need to nominate someone who can credibly carry the Republican banner, whose history does not include wholesale lapses into liberalism. That candidate is Fred Thompson.
With no clear frontrunner and several contenders, it appears that no candidate will enter the convention with enough comitted delegates to win the nomination. The last time the party held a contested convention was in 1976.
In 1976, President Ford had won more delegates than President Reagan, but did not have enough to secure the nomination. There was a real, clear sense that either candidate could win. Ford was a true Rockefeller Republican in every sense of the word. Indeed, his vice president at that time was Nelson Rockefeller. Reagan was the favorite of the strong national defense conservative wing of the party.
Strong national defense was then, like today, the issue of the day. We were facing what appeared to be a militarily strong enemy in the Soviet Union, and were coming off of the divisive period of Vietnam and Watergate. The Right to Life was then, as it is today, a major issue. On the heels of Roe v. Wade, the party's platform first included the pro-life plank.
Fred's personal and political history is strongly rooted in the 1976 convention. His mentor, Tennessee Senator Howard Baker delivered the keynote address. In his address, he spoke words that resonate today with the timeless ideals of Republican Party:
"My friends, for decades the Democratic Party have peddled the patronizing notion that only in Washington are officials wise enough or far sighted enough to decide for us what our priorities should be, how we should spend our taxes, what our goals should be, how we should organize our communities . . . "
It was at the right hand of Senatory Baker that Fred learned about limited government and less taxes, those cornerstones of Republican beliefs.
In the end, the Republican Party nominated Gerald Ford by a vote of 1187 to 1070. That Reagan was able to come that close against an incumbent president speaks volumes about the power of conservative ideas. After Ford won the nomination, Reagan was given the podium. He delivered an historic speech that electrified the party.
It is quite likely that no one, not even Fred, will win enough delegates to enter the convention as the nominee. We must learn the lessons of that 1976 convention. Ford won the nomination but lost the general election to Jimmy Carter, and a disaster ensued. This time, we need to nominate someone who can credibly carry the Republican banner, whose history does not include wholesale lapses into liberalism. That candidate is Fred Thompson.
Friday, November 30, 2007
New Hampshire: More reporters than delegates
There is a lot of hoopla about momentum and the importance of the early caucus of Iowa and the first in the nation primary in New Hampshire. But it is mostly air. Every state is important, and Fred treats every state with respect. Others candidates have essentially run campaigns that are tantamount to a campaign for governor of Iowa or governor of New Hampshire.
The fact is that there are more reporters and news cameras in both Iowa and New Hampshire than there are delegates.
The importance of New Hampshire is that it is now one of two major locations of the news media. When the delegate count starts, however, New Hampshire shrinks in stature, with a mere twelve.
Compare New Hampshire's twelve with some other Super Tuesday behemoths, where Fred is going to win. Georgia, where Fred enjoys a 2-1 lead over his nearest rival, sends 72 delegates. Fred's home state of Tennessee sends 55. Fred has held the lead in Colorado, which sends 46 and in Alabama, which sends 48.
From those states alone, Fred can win 221 delegates!
Once the bright lights leave New Hampshire and Iowa, their importance fades. Where is the victory if Mitt Romney, a governor from a neighboring state who has spent a small fortune on advertising in New Hampshire and a half a lifetime practicing retail politics there, wins New Hampshire with 33% of the vote? That will be worth, what, four delegates?
The delegate rules favor Fred. Fred is strongest in more heavily Republican states. According to the national rules, a state receives bonus delegates for having a Republican governor, for each Republican US Senator and if it cast its electoral votes for President Bush. Georgia earns twenty, for instance.
FredHeads everywhere should take heart in the numbers. Not the polling numbers out of Iowa or New Hampshire, but the numbers of delegates that Fred will win on February 5.
The fact is that there are more reporters and news cameras in both Iowa and New Hampshire than there are delegates.
The importance of New Hampshire is that it is now one of two major locations of the news media. When the delegate count starts, however, New Hampshire shrinks in stature, with a mere twelve.
Compare New Hampshire's twelve with some other Super Tuesday behemoths, where Fred is going to win. Georgia, where Fred enjoys a 2-1 lead over his nearest rival, sends 72 delegates. Fred's home state of Tennessee sends 55. Fred has held the lead in Colorado, which sends 46 and in Alabama, which sends 48.
From those states alone, Fred can win 221 delegates!
Once the bright lights leave New Hampshire and Iowa, their importance fades. Where is the victory if Mitt Romney, a governor from a neighboring state who has spent a small fortune on advertising in New Hampshire and a half a lifetime practicing retail politics there, wins New Hampshire with 33% of the vote? That will be worth, what, four delegates?
The delegate rules favor Fred. Fred is strongest in more heavily Republican states. According to the national rules, a state receives bonus delegates for having a Republican governor, for each Republican US Senator and if it cast its electoral votes for President Bush. Georgia earns twenty, for instance.
FredHeads everywhere should take heart in the numbers. Not the polling numbers out of Iowa or New Hampshire, but the numbers of delegates that Fred will win on February 5.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Fred Proposes Real Solutions to Serious Problems
Of all of the contestants for the GOP nomination, Fred has established himself as the most consistent candidate. What he stands for today, he stood for yesterday and will stand for tomorrow. He does not tailor his message to the office he seeks. Fred has now also begun to distinguish himself from his GOP counterparts by making very serious and very detailed policy proposals.
He was the first to make a concrete proposal on immigration reform, a move which distinguished him from Governor Romney and Mayor Guiliani, both of whom ran sanctuaries for illegal aliens in their previous incarnations. It distinguished him from Senator McCain, who proposed the nightmarish federal Dream Act, and from Governor Huckabee, who has advocated privileges for illegal alients.
In early November, Fred proposed a comprehensive plan to reform the financially threatened Social Security system. The other major candidates have shied away from an issue thought of as a "third rail" of politics. The roundtable and press conference in which he made the proposal earned Fred over a half hour of prime time on CSPAN, and it won the praise of the Washington Post.
Then after Thanksgiving, Fred made a very detailed plan for tax relief, a plan that was applauded by the conservative Club for Growth. (Note: Gov. Huckabee has referred to the group as the Club for Greed.)
The best part of it all is that these are not just hollow election year promises, or recent conversions. You can bet on Fred because of his consistent, conservative voting record in the United States Senate, and his opinions as vocalized in years of addresses. This man has what it takes to serve as president.
He was the first to make a concrete proposal on immigration reform, a move which distinguished him from Governor Romney and Mayor Guiliani, both of whom ran sanctuaries for illegal aliens in their previous incarnations. It distinguished him from Senator McCain, who proposed the nightmarish federal Dream Act, and from Governor Huckabee, who has advocated privileges for illegal alients.
In early November, Fred proposed a comprehensive plan to reform the financially threatened Social Security system. The other major candidates have shied away from an issue thought of as a "third rail" of politics. The roundtable and press conference in which he made the proposal earned Fred over a half hour of prime time on CSPAN, and it won the praise of the Washington Post.
Then after Thanksgiving, Fred made a very detailed plan for tax relief, a plan that was applauded by the conservative Club for Growth. (Note: Gov. Huckabee has referred to the group as the Club for Greed.)
The best part of it all is that these are not just hollow election year promises, or recent conversions. You can bet on Fred because of his consistent, conservative voting record in the United States Senate, and his opinions as vocalized in years of addresses. This man has what it takes to serve as president.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Welcome to NJ Supports Fred Thompson
Welcome to NJ Supports Fred Thompson, home to the Garden State Grassroots coalition for Fred Thomspon. NJ will support Fred in the February 5, 2008 primary election and again in the 2008 general election. The trends in New Jersey are now toward the center-right. The results of the most recent election showed clearly that New Jersey is not a died-in-the-wool Blue State.
The embryonic stem cell bond referendum failed by a 53-47 margin. The results there showed that a campaign based on ethics, morality and fiscal sanity can indeed prevail here in a general election.
Atlantic County Executive Denny Levinson won a landslide election against a challenger who was a countywide elected official. The 77-23 margin, which came in a county where statewide Republicans have struggled to keep their heads above water, shows that a good candidate, coupled with good leadership and a good grassroots campaign can win in Atlantic County.
Republicans scored unexpected wins in municipal elections in Union County, and won almost every local election for mayor in Somerset County, including in the heavily Democratic Franklin Township, where Republican Brian Levine will govern as mayor while the Democrats hold all council seats. Republicans also held the Reagan Democrat towns of Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan and South Bound Brook.
Republicans swept back into control of Hamilton Township in Mercer County. This city of over 90,000 is one of the keys to winning statewide. A Republican must win Hamilton to win New Jersey.
The bottom line is that New Jersey's fifteen electoral votes are in play if the Republicans can nominate a the right candidate. And that candidate is Fred Thompson
The embryonic stem cell bond referendum failed by a 53-47 margin. The results there showed that a campaign based on ethics, morality and fiscal sanity can indeed prevail here in a general election.
Atlantic County Executive Denny Levinson won a landslide election against a challenger who was a countywide elected official. The 77-23 margin, which came in a county where statewide Republicans have struggled to keep their heads above water, shows that a good candidate, coupled with good leadership and a good grassroots campaign can win in Atlantic County.
Republicans scored unexpected wins in municipal elections in Union County, and won almost every local election for mayor in Somerset County, including in the heavily Democratic Franklin Township, where Republican Brian Levine will govern as mayor while the Democrats hold all council seats. Republicans also held the Reagan Democrat towns of Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan and South Bound Brook.
Republicans swept back into control of Hamilton Township in Mercer County. This city of over 90,000 is one of the keys to winning statewide. A Republican must win Hamilton to win New Jersey.
The bottom line is that New Jersey's fifteen electoral votes are in play if the Republicans can nominate a the right candidate. And that candidate is Fred Thompson
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