http://www.ocregister.com/news/thompson ... lySaturday, December 1, 2007

Thompson appeals to his base in Laguna Woods
Presidential candidate Fred Thompson visits Orange County for a rally and speech, and gives the Register a one-on-one interview.
By RICHARD CHANG
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER


Lynn Schott of Irvine walked into a Laguna Woods clubhouse Saturday morning not really sure who she'd vote for in the February presidential primary.

She walked out confident about her pick: Fred Thompson.

"I was really on the fence before," said the 45-year-old home school educator. "I came here to get more information. The combination of listening to the debate the other night and coming here to the rally and seeing him up close… really put me over into his camp."

Republican presidential candidate Thompson dropped by Laguna Woods Saturday to speak to about 400 residents and folks curious about the former senator and star of "Law & Order." Though he's lagging in the polls, Thompson, 65, drew a receptive audience in a region that has voted majority Republican in presidential elections for the last several decades.

"I've been looking for some good Republicans. Do you know where I can find any?" he said to whoops and cheers.

"I have been the same thing that I've always been. I've been a proud, common-sense conservative since the day I first stepped into politics. …What you see is what you get and it will not change."

In front of about 40 pre-selected supporters onstage, Thompson talked about maintaining national security, fighting against radical Islam, securing U.S. borders, lowering taxes and eliminating the estate or "death tax."

"You've lived long enough to see things come and go," he said to the audience of mostly seniors. "You know the difference between the real and the unreal. You know that it is our obligation to leave this place better."

Laguna Woods residents Perry King and his wife Nancy were impressed.

"I'm a conservative," said Perry King, 69. "I stand for the things he's saying."

"I like him because he hasn't been a career politician," said his wife, 64, a college professor. "He's very charismatic. That's the thing I didn't anticipate."

Other speakers at the rally included State Sen. Tom McClintock, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, former State Sen. Dick Mountjoy and former KFI radio talk show host John Ziegler.

Before the rally, a small group of protesters held signs and American flags on the corner outside the clubhouse gate. The group called itself "Campo Minutemen" and said it opposes illegal immigration.

Contact the writer: 714-796-6026 or rchang@ocregister.com



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