Tommy Thompson campaign: Ames is make or break
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Tommy Thompson’s campaign manager says the former Wisconsin governor must finish first or second in this weekend’s Ames Straw Poll for him to remain in the presidential race.
Thompson’s national campaign manager Steve Grubbs sent an e-mail to supporters on Wednesday pleading with Iowans to attend the annual straw poll on Saturday and vote for Thompson.
According to the e-mail, Thompson will drop out of the race unless he comes close to winning.
“If you're a SOTT (Supporter of Tommy Thompson), then this is probably the most important e-mail you have ever received from his campaign,” Grubbs wrote. “Without your help and support this week, Tommy Thompson's campaign cannot go on. Tommy Thompson has made it clear that if he doesn't finish first or second this week in Ames, Iowa at the straw poll, he will not go on in this race.”
Thompson has struggled to gain traction since announcing his presidential exploratory committee last year. He is registering in low single digits according to recent polls.
- CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby
From CNN Politics
- Lawmakers reluctant to pursue gun control measures following Nashville school shooting
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- DeSantis plans to travel to Jerusalem as tumult strains Netanyahu-Biden relationship
- Harris faces painful Black history in emotional slave outpost visit
- Kentucky law aimed at increasing parental oversight in education takes effect
- New York grand jury won't hear Trump case again this week
Why doesn't he just drop now and save the heartache for his supporters. No way he finishes top 2 spots.
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE TOMMY.
His campain manager is a moron then, since plenty of former presidents have initially not done well but have gone on to win the presidency
Goodbye Tommy!
I'll miss Law & Order more.
Good bye Tommie
If I am not mistaken, isn't he polling at 1 or 2%?
I still am baffled that the guy is running. I'm also wondering how this guy was ever in the cabinet.
Agreed. What a waste of time, energy, and promotion. He's not even technically in this race in the first place.
Most of us in Wisconsin were stunned to think that Thompson truly thought he could win in the first place. Not only is he a relative unknown, but he's been out of politics for 3+ years since stepping down as DHSS secretary, hardly a stepping stone to the White House. He's rather short, unattractive, and locals here in Madison have all heard rumors of his infidelity...what Thompson thinks he offers over the other candidates is a mystery to everyone but him, his followers, and their egos.
good, one less at the debates then. this is just his exit strategy. he knows he is out.
They call each other SOTTs? What the heck? I guess you have to be drunk to support this guy, wasn't he the "I'd love to nuke Iran" guy first before Hunter/Tancredo/Romney et al.?
Its sad to hear that tommy has dropped out. I've been studying about him for an assignment and it seems like he has a lot to offer. I would vote for you if I was aloud to. I hope you run for president again...