Is Thompson Surging?
18 January 2008More news on Thompson’s efforts in SC…
by John Gizzi, Human Events Magazine
Columbia, S.C.–With most polls showing him running fourth among South Carolina Republicans in the presidential primary tomorrow, supporters of Fred Thompson insisted to me this morning that their man was “surging” and would do “well”–although they would not predict a first or second place finish.
Speaking on background, top operatives of the Thompson campaign told me that there was last-minute momnetum for the Tennessean. “Team Thompson” spoke to me shortly after State Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom endorsed the former senator and TV actor at the State Capitol this morning.
“The money is coming in and continues to come in,” said one top Palmetto State Thompson operative, adding that Thompson had also picked up the endorsement of South Carolina Citizens for Life. In addition, Rep. Steve King (R.-Iowa), one of the premier House opponents of illegal immigration, arrived in Columbia this morning to campaign for Thompson.
The same Thompson operative said his candidate is pounding on three themes–sound fiscal policy, his “100% pro-life position,” and his tough stand on illegal immigration–”Fred’s the lone candidate in this primary who hasn’t had to flip around on this issue,” his campaigner told me.
“Team Thompson” also took some shots at the candidate they feel is the biggest roadblock to a surge and political resurrection of their man–Mike Huckabee. As one of the Thompson people told me, “The push polls that are coming from the Huckabee camp are beyond the pale.” He was specifically referring to a Virginia-based group, Common Sense, that has endorsed Huckabee and, according to published reports, is responsible for phone calls to likely primary voters asking whether they would vote for Thompson if they knew he is for partial birth abortion or for same-sex marriage. Thompson, of course, has been solidly against both.
So the fate of Fred Thompson as a presidential candidate appears in the hands of South Carolina Republicans, and very soon, they will determine whether or not he meets his own standard and “does well.”
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