Tancredo has achieved his secondary goal in running for office; he has elevated the issue of illegal immigration to a litmus test (at least in Iowa).
First clashes in Iowa set tone over immigration
By Tim Gaynor 53 minutes ago
PHOENIX (Reuters) – Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain lost ground to his presidential rivals over support for what his opponents called “amnesty” for illegal immigrants.
…
As campaigning builds for the Democratic and Republican nominations for the U.S. presidential election in November, taking a tough stance on illegal immigration has become vital to their chances of being selected to represent their parties.
Tancredo’s primary goal is elevating himself to a point of greater notoriety, paving a path for his future. Hey, it’s not the first time that a politician looked out for himself.
This moment is Tancredo’s best chance to cement a position in a potential future adminstration by making an endorsement. Although we can argue whether Tancredo’s endorsement is worth anything, it is safe to say that this is his time of most influence.
He will look to back someone that is aligned with him philosophically, has a shot, and needs some help (with the Iowa voters) on immigration. I think he comes out behind Huckabee.
I think we’ll hear more “illegal means illegal” and “don’t spend taxpayers $ on illegals” and less of “bomb mecca”
Questions: Do you agree? Who will he back? How much difference will this make? Has Tancredo succeeded in putting himself in a position of influence?
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That Romney can effectively use Huck’s endorsement to help him regain momentum in Iowa. If Romney wins Iowa, Tank will definately get some credit for it!
Huckaby does well in IA, but craters elsewhere. Romney edges out Guiliani to become the R nominee.
Huckaby appeals to faith-based voters, which is a significant proportion of voters in IA (20-30% in IA but only about 8-13% nationally). By comparison, Romney’s Morman status is a drag on his numbers in IA due to significant anti-Morman sentiment in SE IA (there are virulent anti-Morman billboards along the Morman trail through IA to Nauvaoo, IL).
Romney appeals more to voters focused on the economy and security, about 24% and 21% of the electorate, respectively. By virtue of 9/11, Guiliani “owns” voters who are focused on security issues (21%), so Tancredo’s endorsement is probably an empty gesture.
Huckaby is stronger among voters focused on equality of opportunity (health care, education, environment, about 34% of the electorate), but that cluster of voters usually leans to the Ds and only votes for Rs if there are no acceptable D candidates.
Die-hard liberals are only about 8-9% of the electorate, and none of them will vote for any R.
Outside IA, Romney appeals to faith-based voters better than Guiliani.
There’s no “a” in Mormon. Just thought you should know 🙂
I’m excited to see how this pans out
My spelling on this was pretty awful. One of those fat-fingered cloudy brain days, I’m afraid.
I wish there was a spell check option here… 🙂
Tancredo did what he came to do and he elevated the immigration issue. I’m not sure elevated is the correct word as it implies taking the high road, but it is fair to say immigration would not be as large an issue if it wasn’t for the Tanc.
I don’t see him putting himself in a position of influence. If he runs for Senate it does nothing except help the Dems. If he jockeys for a federal position he better not seek one that requires Senate confirmation.
Regarding the debate, the rhetoric will tone down but the debate will still be as senseless as it has been. Those who scream about immigrants breaking the law sound petty and those who advocate for amnesty sound soft. So the debate will continue on in the mushy middle for the campaign.
It will be interesting to see if immigration is an issue after the primaries. I don’t think it will.