Tom Tancredo to Drop Out of Presidential Race
Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo plans to drop out of the race during an announcement Thursday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa, GOP sources close to the campaign have told FOX News.
Tancredo, who has aggressively pushed his anti-illegal immigration message throughout the GOP primary race, has not been able to break through in the polls against his better known competitors. He and California Rep. Duncan Hunter typically poll in the single digits behind Texas Rep. Ron Paul in national surveys.
Tancredo would not personally confirm whether he will pull out of the race.
“I will neither confirm nor deny that report,” Tancredo told FOX News. But he added, “I wouldn’t have a press conference if I didn’t have anything to say.”
The five-term Colorado representative already announced in late October that he would not seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 2008. He said at the time that his core issue of illegal immigration has been elevated to national prominence and that he doesn’t need to remain in Congress to promote it.
Tancredo aired a startling ad a month ago tying illegal immigration to terrorism. The ad showed a man in a hooded sweatshirt and backpack walking into a crowded shopping mall, with the sound of an explosion ringing out after the screen goes dark. The ad then showed bloody pictures of victims of terrorist acts in Europe, while the narrator said: “The price we pay for spineless politicians who refuse to defend our borders against those who come to kill.”
Tancredo focused on the issue at the Republican presidential debate a week ago in Iowa, saying immigration without assimilation is a “catastrophe.”
He also refused to participate in a Spanish-language debate on Univision in early December. He told FOX News he did not want to encourage immigrants in America to speak Spanish as their primary language.
FOX News’ Carl Cameron and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
I hope you’re all wrong about Tom Tancredo dropping out. He, Duncan Hunter, and Ron Paul are the only hopes this country has of fixing the illegal immigration problem. The rest are only going with the flow and will not take the strong stand this country needs. I live in CT (a blue state) and even though I have registered Independent, I WILL NOT vote for a Democrat. We don’t need the bleeding hearts (as well as the rest of the Republicans running) giving away our country. I will be very disappointed if, in fact, Tom Tancredo drops out.
I would have voted for Tom because he is the one candidate that has been able to stand tall against the assult from the left. I really believe he would have been our best choice for many reasons. He is true blue in my opinion. He is a strong man.
Adios amigo!
Should T.Tancredo leave the House, I hope and pray sence He didn’t get the backing for President that atleast run for the Senate where we (Americans) need him badly.
GOD bless America and Merry Christmas.
James from N.Mexico
I am sorry to see him go.I think he is just what we need right now.
I see that a lot of illegals are on this board. I still plan to vote for Tancredo even if I have to write in his name. He is the only one who can save our country. Next in line would be Ron Paul. The rest of the candidates from both parties will not protect our country. Maybe an alternative would be a Ron Paul-Tancredo ticket.
ron paul! he has the strongest position on illegal immigration. stop subsidizing why they come here… free health care. free education… just make it so they won’t get any benefits and they will go back themselves!
Please don`t leave, Tom. This country needs thousands more just like you. I think that the ideal ticket would be Tom Tancredo/Duncan Hunter. God be with you, Tom. Tom is truly independent when it comes to the issue of the border, as is D. Hunter. They are the most concerned about the security and sovereignty of our great country. The elites don`t like anyone messing with their North American Union plans, so the good guys like Tancredo and Hunter get ignored by the media. Hey, Tom! Go on Michael Savage`s show. Michael has 35 million votes for you!
Tom is my man. I am / would be trashed at the prospect he won’t be running. I do understand however, the battle has been grim and bloody. Tom deserves a rest, although he will continue to do what he can where he is to preserve this nation.
Tancredo has actually won, illegal immigration is the number one topic among Republicans running for office. It was his purpose for running in the first place, he said if no one will address the issue he would run, now all parrot his words. Americans are sick of illegals and want something done now and rightfully so.