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.
Too bad! Tancredo and Hunter are the only two to really have a chance to end our senseless border protection policies. His TV ad was right on. There is a problem with too many Spanish speaking illegals, but the really urgent problem is the Arabic speakers that are sneaking across our borders.
Thank-you Tom.
At least with your persistence over 15 years you have been able to accomplish raising public awareness of and concern about this fundamental issue.
Unfortunately, you have also illustrated how difficult it is to break through when the “filters” don’t want us to hear what you are saying.
It seems that your candidacy - but not your issue - will be the latest victim of political correctness.
So you think Tom Tancredo is a racist? Start living in the real world and understand that if someone does not control illegal immigration there will not be an America. We will all be talking different languages and eventally be a third world with no power. Apparently there are a lot of adults that do not understand their children and grandchildren will never know what pride America use to have. I am disappointed that the only candidate which understands enforcing laws,fining businesses, building a border wall and social security verification is necessary if we are to keep our county.
I have long wished that the ability to vote was allowed if a potental voter could pass a basic political literacy multiple choice quiz. By doing so the ignorant could be filtered out of the most important chioce made for the rest of us. The statements here reminded me that such an idea is overdue.
this is a shame. he and Hunter are the only two who have it right. not a racist but a true patriot and citizen of the U.S.A.
stay in congress, the country needs you.
I wonder if everyone against the “mexican invasion” would be up in arms if the “invasion” was coming from Ireland, Italy, Germany, or England. You know, good wholesome white people coming over on ships, privately financed, and maybe docking in remote areas of Newfondland and crossing the border from Canada. While we’re at it, let’s make sure to keep our eyes on the Jews and blacks.
Hi, as a illegal myself i am glad he lost. it is true i get free medical and help with housing and food stamps but i speak english and i work. i dont think he is racist but glad he is gone. thanks
Illegal Immigration is wrong and unsustainable. I praise Tom Tancredo for the light he shined on this extreme problem. Sorry to see you go.
Tom Tancredo is a hero to so many. His presidential run is over, but this movement is not. To all those on this board that call him a racist or a hater, you obviously don’t know the man. I also assume you’re illegal or promote someone that is. Your comments are pathetic and ignorant.
Good riddance, now if we can just get the rest of these losers out of the race we might have a chance. But I doubt it, Oh yeah, enjoy your new lifestyle, 2008 is going to be a real loser for most. Sheeple get ready, your masters have a plan and you ain’t in it.