Tancredo said he is endorsing Mitt Romney for president.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Rep. Tom Tancredo abandoned his long-shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday afternoon, but claimed victory because, he said, the other GOP candidates have adopted his staunch anti-illegal immigration agenda.

“According to Newsweek, the Tancredo campaign has already won,” he said during a press conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

After announcing his decision to drop out of the race, Tancredo endorsed Mitt Romney's presidential bid, saying the former Massachusetts governor’s views came closest to his own stance on illegal immigration, and that he “could go the distance” and win the presidency.

Tancredo, a Colorado Republican, is a fierce proponent of stricter illegal immigration laws, but his campaign struggled to gain traction with the Republican primary voters, despite the fact that his signature issue is a top concern among GOP primary voters this cycle.

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Tancredo will drop out of the presidential race Thursday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Rep. Tom Tancredo is set to abandon his long-shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday afternoon, a source close to the Colorado Republican tells CNN.

The announcement is expected to come at a 3 p.m. ET press conference in Iowa.

Tancredo is a fierce proponent of stricter illegal immigration laws, but his campaign struggled to gain traction with the Republican base. An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll out Wednesday night showed the congressman registered less than 1 percent support nationally, and a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll in Iowa Thursday put Tancredo at only 3 percent.

Earlier this week, Iowa Rep. Steve King, a friend of Tancredo's who shares his tough stance on immigration, announced he was backing former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson instead.

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– CNN Political Director Sam Feist

(CNN) — It's not just the Republican frontrunners who are attacking Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado steals a page from some of his GOP rivals at the top of the polls by taking on the senator from New York in his YouTube campaign-style video. It's an interesting tactic for a candidate at the back of the pack. Of course, it is about Tancredo's pet issue of illegal immigration.

–CNN Producer Ted Metzger

The word "Tancredo" is now a verb.

(CNN) — Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colorado, said he delighted in hearing the other candidates argue over his pet issue: battling illegal immigration.

"This has been wonderful," Tancredo said. "… For a guy who usually just stands on the bookend here on the side and just listens all the time, that's kind of frustrating — you know, in other debates."

"I have to tell you, so far it's been wonderful, because all I've heard so far is people trying to out-Tancredo Tancredo. It is great! I am so happy to hear it," he said.

– CNN writer Jim Kavanagh

Tancredo gets a $400 hair cut for charity.

CONCORD, New Hampshire (CNN) - Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo paid 400 dollars for a haircut Friday .

At a Granite State hair salon, the Colorado congressman cut and coiffed his hair to promote the charity efforts of local business owner, David Holden.

Holden, whose 12- year old son Costica has autism, devised the idea after hearing about former Sen. John Edwards' pricey dos. Hoping to poke fun and advance a charitable cause, Holden has asked all presidential candidates to consider a cut.

So far only Tancredo and Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee have shed their gray locks for charity. Holden told reporters that a Democrat is also on this schedule. Tancredo's hair cut fee will be donated to the Autism Society of America.

–CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

Rep. Tancredo has released a new ad that links his fight against illegal immigration with the war on terror.

(CNN) — In this report, Correspondent Brian Todd places Rep. Tom Tancredo's, R-Colorado, new political ad in historical context with similar political ads and also takes a look at what the ad may do for Tancredo presidential campaign.

Related: Candidate defends ad portraying terrorist attack

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

Watch Tancredo defend his controversial ad in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer .

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo is standing by his new television ad depicting a terrorist attack on an American mall, saying it portrays a real threat.

"Yes, they are coming, they are coming through our porous borders, and yes, they are coming to do us great damage," the Colorado Republican told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday. "I don't know why anybody would not think this is true."

The 30-second ad, set to begin running on Iowa cable stations this week, depicts a hooded man walking into a crowded mall with a backpack. Over the sound of a ticking clock, the man abandons the backpack at a bench, and an explosion is heard.

"There are consequences to open borders beyond the 20 million aliens who have come to take our jobs," the ad's narrator says. "Islamic terrorists now freely roam U.S. soil. Jihadists, who froth with hate, here to do as they have in London, Spain and Russia."

Full story

Earlier: Campaign defends ad depicting terrorist attack

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Tancredo's new ad depicts a terrorist attack on an American mall.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo's new television ad depicting a terrorist attack on an American mall is raising eyebrows Tuesday, but the Colorado Republican's campaign says it doesn't cross the line.

"There's nothing over the top about this," Bay Buchanan, Tancredo's campaign manager told CNN. "It's quite accurate."

The 30-second ad, set to begin running on Iowa cable stations this week, depicts a hooded man walking into a crowded mall with a backpack. Over the sound of a ticking clock, the man abandons the backpack at a bench and an explosion is heard.

"There are consequences to open borders beyond the 20 million aliens who have come to take our jobs," the ad's narrator says. "Islamic terrorists now freely roam U.S. soil. Jihadists, who froth with hate, here to do what they have in London, Spain, and Russia."

Buchanan brushed aside critics who say the ad is playing the "fear card" and cited a recent FBI memo that said officials had received a tip Al Qaeda terrorists may be planning attacks on shopping malls in Los Angeles and Chicago during the upcoming holiday season. The FBI also said there is no indication the tip is credible.

"That's a common response of individuals who don't like your message," she said of those who have said the ad is designed to instill fear. "But the key is this: Is there a concern that this could happen to us at anytime? It has to be the case, the FBI just confirmed it."

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Tancredo has decided not to run for a sixth Congressional term.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Rep. Tom Tancredo plans to retire from the House at the end of his term but will continue with his bid for the GOP presidential nomination, his office said Monday.

The story was first reported by the Rocky Mountain News, which said the 61-year-old Coloradan informed his staff Sunday night in a letter in which he said he feels he has accomplished what he had hoped to accomplish by raising immigration as an issue.

He added that he wants to spend time with his five grandchildren.

Tancredo, who was elected to Congress in 1998, was campaigning Monday in Iowa.

Tancredo sought to make a risky bet with rival Mitt Romney.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — With the Colorado Rockies down 2-0 to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo must be relieved rival Mitt Romney didn't take his bet.

Before the start of the World Series Wednesday night, the Colorado Congressman issued a challenge to the former Massachusetts governor: whichever candidate's home-team wins the series gets to stay in the presidential race — the other has to drop out.

“Governor Romney, I propose we make a bet on the World Series.” Tancredo said in an issued statement. “I will agree to drop out of the race if the Red Sox win on the condition that you will agree to drop out if the Rockies win.”

This is the second such life-or-death bet Trancredo has attempted to make with Romney. Last week the Colorado Republican challenged Romney to a trap-shooting contest in New Hampshire on the condition the loser abandons his presidential bid.

Tancredo spokesman Alan Moore told CNN he never heard a response from the Romney campaign on the baseball bet. Asked if Tancredo was actually prepared to exit the race if his baseball team lost, Moore said, "I guess we'll never know."

Reacting to the proposal, Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said, "Governor Romney got in the race for the Republican nomination to win."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Huckabee makes it official.

CONCORD, New Hampshire (CNN) –- In the state that plans to hold the nation's first presidential primary, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is now official.

On Thursday, the 2008 candidate from Hope, Arkansas, became the second mainstream presidential hopeful to file for a spot on the New Hampshire primary ballot. Representative Tom Tancredo, R-Colorado, filed on Tuesday.

Surrounded by supporters and cameras, Huckabee made his way to the second floor of the New Hampshire statehouse, before entering the secretary of state’s office.

There, he continued in the tradition of past candidates, and sat before the historic primary desk, the only piece of furniture that remains from New Hampshire’s original statehouse. After signing Huckabee said playfully, “I think we should retire this desk after today.”

Along with his signature, Huckabee handed state officials a $1,000 filing fee and
signed on his application, “Thanks for being first in the nation and giving America hope.”

Following the ceremony, Huckabee made his way to his Concord campaign office
to celebrate with his staff and supporters.

– CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

Tom Tancredo became the first GOP candidate to register for the New Hampshire Primary ballot Tuesday.

CONCORD, New Hampshire (CNN) — Tom Tancredo Tuesday became the first major presidential candidate to get his name on the primary ballot in New Hampshire. The Republican congressman from Colorado visited the capitol of the Granite State, signed forms, and handed over a check for $1000 to secure a spot on the primary ballot.

Tancredo is low in all the national and state polls. The latest survey of New Hampshire Republicans puts him at one percent. The long shot candidate acknowledged his chances earlier today, saying, “I know the odds are long.” But Tancredo also said that “anything can happen in sports and in politics, and it takes a lot of heart, guts, and commitment.” He says his campaign has plenty of all of those attributes.

The candidate, who spoke in front of about two dozen supporters and journalists, discussed his signature issue, illegal immigration.

Tancredo said the fate of the country is at stake because of what he calls “the battle we are in against radical Islam,” as well as “the attack on our culture because of massive illegal immigration.”

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(CNN) — Most of the Republican presidential candidates said in a debate Tuesday that they support a Middle Eastern oil firm's bid for a large stake in a major U.S. stock exchange.

The majority of candidates agreed that the deal sealed earlier this year by oil-rich Borse Dubai for 20 percent of the NASDAQ stock exchange did not impact national security.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani fielded the question first saying the foreign company should be able to own 20 percent of the stock exchange and that Americans should support foreign-domestic deals "if they are considered to be safe. If they pass safety and security clearances," he said.

The deal was highly scrutinized by the financial and political community opposed to foreign ownership of U.S. businesses.

"But you just can't rule out foreign companies. There's a whole procedure you go through as to whether or not are they safe. Are they secure? We cannot stop doing business with the rest of the world," Giuliani added.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, once a businessman and venture capitalist, responded enthusiastically.

"Of course, you let a country invest in the United States,” he said. “Because we're going to have to stop thinking always in terms of defense and trying to keep other people out.”

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Tennesssee Sen. Fred Thompson, and Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback agreed, but California Rep. Duncan Hunter and Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo did not.

Hunter said he does not believe the company should have been allowed the large stake in the exchange.

"Because I don't trust them," he said.

"If Dubai wanted to buy Wal-Mart, I might think about it," Tancredo joked.

–CNN Assignment Editor Katy Byron

Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colorado, held a press conference on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol Friday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo said Friday that if he were an Iowa resident, he'd sign a petition calling for the impeachment of Polk County District Judge Robert Hanson.

Hanson overturned Iowa's state ban on same-sex marriages in August. Hanson has since issued a stay on his ruling.

At a press conference on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol, Tancredo, a Republican congressman from Colorado, denounced Hanson, calling him an "activist judge."

"I believe Judge Hanson is flat wrong to say the state of Iowa, through its legislature, has no legitimate interest in the regulation of the institution of marriage," Tancredo said. "You might as well say the state has no legitimate interest in regulating the validity of commercial contracts or prohibiting prostitution or public execution."

"If a community cannot limit marriage to a man and a woman, how can it stop two men and a woman or three women and two men from declaring a communal marriage?" Tancredo continued. "If a child is just as well off with two mommies instead of a mother and a father, why is it not even better off with four momies or three daddies?"

He said the solution to the problem of activist judges in regard to this issue is a federal ban on gay marriage.

"If the Constitution needs to be changed, and in this case it apparently may need to be as a result of the actions taken by this judge, then there's a way to do it: it's an amendment process, and that's what I propose."

-CNN Iowa Producer Chris Welch

Related: Watch video from CNN Des Moines affiliate KCCI

One of the empty podiums on stage Thursday night in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, Maryland (CNN) — There were ten podiums on the stage, but only six candidates showed up.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, and Sen. John McCain of Arizona, all said they had scheduling conflicts and skipped Thursday night's PBS All American Presidential Forum on minority issues. The Republican candidates who participated in the debate blasted their rivals for their absence.

"Frankly, I'm embarrassed," former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said. "I'm embarrassed for our party and I'm embarrassed for those who did not come, because there's long been a divide in this country, and it doesn't get better when we don't show up."

Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, said it hurts the Republican Party when candidates choose not to participate in debates.

"I want to say just at the outset, I apologize for the candidates that aren't here," Brownback said. "I think this is a disgrace that they're not here."

But moderator Tom Joyner made jokes, at their expense.

"And let me take a moment right here and now to say hello to those of you viewing from home," Joyner said. "Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Senator John McCain. Governor Mitt Romney. And Senator Fred Thompson. Well, you know, I had to call them out."

Related: Not up for debate

Related: Commentary: Why is the GOP scared of black voters?

– CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich

Hunter disagrees with President Bush on immigration

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — California congressman Duncan Hunter won Texas' first Republican Party Straw Poll on Saturday in a low-turnout event that lacked the top-tier presidential candidates.

Hunter got 534 votes, or 41 percent of the vote. Former Tennessee senator and actor Fred Thompson, who is expected to announce his candidacy next week but was not at the event, came in second with 266 votes, or nearly 21 percent. Texas congressman Ron Paul came in third with 217 votes, or 17 percent.

Crowd support seemed split between Hunter and Paul, whose supporters waved signs and chanted his name throughout the day. Other candidates attending were Chicago businessman John Cox, who got 10 votes; counterterrorism expert Hugh Cort of Birmingham, Ala., who got three votes; and tool-and-die maker Ray McKinney of Savannah, Ga., with 28 votes.

Each of the other absent but better-known candidates received less than 7 percent of the vote. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came in fourth with 83 votes; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani got 78 votes; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney received 61 votes; and Arizona Sen. John McCain garnered eight votes.

Others who didn't attend, Kansas senator Sam Brownback and Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo, each received six votes.

The Texas primary is March 4.

MITT ROMNEY 4,516 VOTES 31.6%

MIKE HUCKABEE 2,587 VOTES 18.1%

SAM BROWNBACK 2,192 VOTES 15.3%

TOM TANCREDO 1,961 VOTES 13.7%

RON PAUL 1,305 VOTES 9.1%

TOMMY THOMPSON 1,039 VOTES 7.3%

FRED THOMPSON 203 VOTES 1.4%

RUDY GIULIANI 183 VOTES 1.3%

DUNCAN HUNTER 174 VOTES 1.2%

JOHN MCCAIN 101 VOTES .7%

JOHN COX 41 VOTES .3%

14,302 TOTAL BALLOTS CAST

Tancredo defended his comments on Sunday

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo continued to defend his comments that threatening to bomb Muslim holy sites would be the right way to "deter any kind of aggression" from terrorists and said that anyone who wouldn't do the same "isn't fit to be president" on Sunday morning.

"I'm telling you right now that anybody that would suggest that we should take anything like this off the table in order to deter that kind of event in the United States isn't fit to be president of the United States," the GOP presidential candidate said.

During a campaign stop in Iowa on Tuesday, Tancredo said that “an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.” Tom Casey, a deputy spokesman for the State Department, told CNN that Tancredo's comments were "reprehensible" and "absolutely crazy." But Tancredo said that when the State Department complains about things he says, he feels more confident.

"Yes, the State Department. Boy, when they start complaining about things I say, I feel a lot better about the things I say, I'll tell you right now," Tancredo said, to laughter from the audience.

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich

(CNN) – Several Republican presidential candidates distanced themselves from President Bush’s foreign policy doctrine, and questioned the role of Vice President Cheney, during Sunday morning’s nationally-televised debate.

The foreign policy comments came in response to a question during on President Bush’s second term goal of spreading democracy and ending tyranny, during the debate from Des Moines, Iowa, broadcast on ABC’s “This Week.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said. “I’m not a carbon copy of President Bush. And there are things I would do that would be done differently.”

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said he would not follow the policy, saying “sometimes when you get what you want, you don’t get want what you get.” He said, “this is a great case of that happening. I don’t think it’s the job of the United States to export our form of government…I don’t think we can force people to accept our way of life, our way of government.”

Texas Congressman Ron Paul told the audience, “There’s nothing wrong with spreading our values around the world, but it is wrong to spread him by force.”

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Republican presidential hopeful Tom Tancredo

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo's campaign stood by his assertion that bombing holy Muslim sites would serve as a good "deterrent" to prevent Islamic fundamentalists from attacking the United States, his spokeswoman said Friday.

"This shows that we mean business," said Bay Buchanan, a senior Tancredo adviser. "There's no more effective deterrent than that. But he is open-minded and willing to embrace other options. This is just a means to deter them from attacking us."

On Tuesday, Tancredo warned a group of Iowans that another terrorist attack would "cause a worldwide economic collapse." IowaPolitics.com recorded his comments.

"If it is up to me, we are going to explain that an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina," Tancredo said. "That is the only thing I can think of that might deter somebody from doing what they would otherwise do. If I am wrong, fine, tell me, and I would be happy to do something else. But you had better find a deterrent, or you will find an attack."

Tom Casey, a deputy spokesman for the State Department, told CNN's Elise Labott that the congressman’s comments were "reprehensible" and "absolutely crazy." Tancredo was widely criticized in 2005 for making a similar suggestion.

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich