Thread: Tancredo set to decide today whether he'll run for president

Tancredo set to decide today whether he'll run for president

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs. ... 1/SPORTS09

By ABBY SIMONS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

January 15, 2007

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo admitted Sunday that winning the Republican nomination would be a steep uphill battle should he decide to run for president, but entirely worth the effort if it brings his views on illegal immigration to the forefront of U.S. politics.

"It's delusional to suggest that this would not be anything but a David and Goliath situation, but after all, David won," Tancredo said at a book signing in West Des Moines. "Things like this happen in politics, but no matter what happens, it will force America to focus on these issues."

Tancredo wrapped up a weekend visit to the state that dually served as a tour promoting his book, " In Mortal Danger: The Battle for America's Border and Security," as well as an exploratory trip to gauge the opinion and support of Iowans as he mulls a presidential run.

Tancredo said he will decide today whether he will run. No Republican has yet announced intentions to run for the presidential nomination.

Tancredo said his hard-line stance against illegal immigration likely could make fundraising difficult, but while he envisions potential big-name candidates such as Arizona Sen. John McCain and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as battleships, the potential to "slip through to port" exists, likely because of his bold views, he said.

He also said he would be flattered to be compared to Iowa Rep. Steve King, also an outspoken critic against illegal immigration.

"When people say you're a one-issue candidate, at least I have one," he said. "You see men and women seeking office, but it's the office that drives them, not the issues."

About two dozen people listened to Tancredo speak about his views, which included his opposition to cultural relativism, or, as he dubbed it, "the cult of multiculturalism," citing the New Year's Day slaying of Denver Broncos player Darrent Williams, who was fatally shot following a scuffle at a nightclub.

He related it to a subculture of violence within the black community, saying the problem cannot be fixed if people aren't willing to address it.

Tancredo also pledged to repeal laws allowing citizenship and social services to children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants.

After attending Tancredo's question-and-answer session, Chris McAninch and Janet Heldenbrand, both 48 and of Grimes, said they support the congressman and his outspoken message.

"I like the fact that he's saying what a whole lot of people are just thinking," McAninch said of Tancredo's immigration opposition.

Looks like so much more than just a one issue candidate. Tom's the bomb.

"When people say you're a one-issue candidate, at least I have one," he said. "You see men and women seeking office, but it's the office that drives them, not the issues."

Tom sure makes a good point here. Its the office and prestige other elected officials want.
And Tom is being very modest here. His "one issue" is a very large one with a huge domino effect on every part of our lives.

IndianaJones wrote:

Looks like so much more than just a one issue candidate. Tom's the bomb!

I agree!

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