ONGOING: Tancredo’s Bid for Governor
Teddy M. Otero IV | Jul 22, 2010 | Comments 39 | Share: More
Image via Wikipedia
UPDATE (7/26): Tom Tancredo responds to grassroots (from the Denver Post).
Open Letter to Tea Party Activists from Tom Tancredo
Subsequent to the distribution of my email address by the Arapahoe County Republican Chairman, I have received over 100 messages from folks who have asked me not to proceed with plans to run for Governor on a third party ticket. Many referenced an earlier open letter in which I pointed out the perils of a third party candidacy. Interestingly, I looked back at previous communications and found many of the same folks had written to chastise me for suggesting “party unity” was important. That was before their candidate, Dan Maes, had top lined Scott McInnis at the Republican Party Assembly. Since then, they and many other “insurgents” have become hard core Republican Party stalwarts. The point is, as I am sure these new establishment activists would point out, things change. How true. For them, their candidate, after having won a majority of the 3500 Assembly delegates, now must get a majority of the hundreds of thousands of state wide Republican primary voters. For me, the revelations about ethical problems on the part of both Scott McInnis and Dan Maes, changed the rules of the game. I could not, in good conscience vote for either of these two gentlemen in the general election and more importantly, I do not believe that most Colorado voters would either — especially after a grueling battle with a well funded Democrat opponent. We desperately need an alternative. That is why I have both Dan and Scott to simply make a public pledge to withdraw if polls in August showed the winner of the Republican Party primary losing to the Mayor Hickenlooper. Then the Republicans could fill the vacancy with someone (hopefully a good conservative) who could win. By the way, that person would not be me as my relationship with the Party insiders has never been good.
The other option is a third party candidate. That option, by the way, is not my preference.
I have one desire that motivates me and that is to defeat John Hickenlooper in November. I do not look forward to the ugliness that will inevitably be part of such a race. I told my grandkids the other night to brace themselves. I have asked the Lord to help me and all of my family to do the same.
With warm regards,
Tom Tancredo
UPDATE (7/25, 8:00pm): Colorado Liberty Groups (including TCT) respond with an open letter to Tom Tancredo.
For Immediate Release
The 9-12 Project Colorado Coalition and Allies
Contact: Lu Busse
Primary Phone: 719-487-9499
Cell: 720-291-8894
Email: Busse_Group@msn.com
Open Letter to Tom Tancredo from Colorado Liberty Groups
July 25, 2010
Dear Congressman Tancredo:
Many Coloradans and liberty movement individuals respect you for your courage and honorable service to this state. But, we ask what really has changed, and how your High Noon ultimatum issued July 22nd reflects the principles and values you have long stood for? This ultimatum seems out of character and completely contradicts the sage advice you offered us in an open letter on December 21, 2009 and reiterated again passionately at a joint 9-12 Project/Tea Party event on January 16, 2010.
We would like to remind you of this particular section of your open letter, which continues to resonate with us even today:
Yes, over the last decade, many individuals left the Republican Party because George Bush led the national party to abandon its principles and support several big government programs. But leaving the party is not the answer. Fighting for your principles and reshaping the party is the answer.
Throughout our nation’s history, third parties have never succeeded in taking power and running the government. They have sometimes succeeded in pushing a major party in a new direction, but just as often, they succeeded only in electing the more liberal candidate after many conservatives waste their votes on a third party candidate. Remember 1992? Ross Perot never had a chance to be president, but he did help elect Bill Clinton.
Here in Colorado we have an uphill road in 2010, but the good news is we have the opportunity for a broad resurgent victory if we work together. – Tom Tancredo
Over 800,000 Coloradans or 33% of likely voters, including almost 550,000 or 64% of likely Republican voters in our state, have joined the “Tea Party* movement in the past 17 months. We clearly demonstrated at the precinct causes and state assembly a significant portion of the 9-12 Project, Tea Party and other pro-liberty grassroots individuals have worked tirelessly for more than a year championing our principles, becoming engaged and informed, learning the political process, vetting candidates at all levels, and also reshaping the Colorado Republican Party as you advised. We trusted and listened to you among others; but, now you do not trust the Republican voters of Colorado to thoughtfully and logically evaluate the choices before us. You want to impose your personal choice and will over the will of the people. You are subverting the process and our will. This is the opposite of the liberty movement and what we are about.
Since your ultimatum, several liberty groups have queried their members and found about 2/3 (66% of 754 responses – over 250 more than used in Rasmussen polls for Colorado) of the responders to this non-scientific internal survey would not vote for you in the Governor’s race. This does not foretell a conservative victory, but rather an impending disaster, assuring victory for Mayor Hickenlooper and the liberal agenda in Colorado for at least four more years. Congressman Tancredo, together our groups strongly urge you to reconsider, withdraw your ultimatum, stay in the Republican Party, let the process play out for the Governor’s race within the rules already set forth, and continue to help us improve this party, its candidates, and the process—in other words to trust and respect the newly awakened, energized and informed voters of Colorado.
Pledging our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor to Colorado and our Constitutional Republic, the United States of America –
9-12 Pikes Peak Patriots
9-12 Project Liberty Circle
Broomfield 9-12 Project
Cherry Creek District 9-12 Project
Colorado 9-12 Project (Including Denver metro area, Front Range communities & Eastern I-70 corridor)
Elbert County Tea Party
Four Corners 9-12 Project/TEA Party Patriots (Cortez)
Four Corners Liberty Restoration Group (including Bayfield & Durango 9-12 Project/Tea Party)
Greeley 9-12 Project
Longmont 9-12/Tea Party
R Block Party
South Denver 9-12 Project
The 9-12 Project Colorado Coalition
The912Project.us Network – Colorado Chapter
The Constitutionalist Today Editorial Board
Tri-County 9-12 Project (Delta/Montrose/Ouray)
Two Rivers 9-12 Project
Vail Valley 9-12 Project
We Will Not Fall – Fort Collins 9-12 Project
Western Slope Conservative Alliance
Windsor 9-12 Project
UPDATE (7/23, 12:00pm): Tancredo has responded to Wadhams’ press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jen Raiffie, (720) 987-7620TOM TANCREDO RESPONDS TO DICK WADHAMS
Mr. Tancredo based his Dec 09 statement on the circumstances at that time. Circumstances have changed.
Mr. Tancredo understands why Dick Wadhams and others are upset, and Mr. Tancredo is upset as well. The Republicans are in a terrible position and Mr. Tancredo believes we must put the people of Colorado first by giving them a great candidate to represent them in this race…As JFK said “Sometimes party loyalty asks too much.”
UPDATE (7/23, 10:30am): Staff writer Leah Hotchkiss was able to make contact with Sean Duffy, McInnis’ spokesman, last night. He had no formal statement, but indicated that they might issue one in the next few days. Sean did confirm that McInnis agrees with Mr. Wadhams’ written statement, and that he will not be dropping out of the primary, nor the campaign.
UPDATE (11:30pm): In a statement to TCT, Dan Maes had the following to say about Tancredo’s decision:
I am very disappointed with Tom Tancredo’s statement earlier today, which contradicts his own words. In an open letter to Colorado’s 9-12 groups and Tea Parties last December, Tancredo challenged patriots to remain steadfast and work within our Republican party rather than start or support third parties. [Ed. Read it here.] I remain the consistent conservative in this race, and, as the state assembly proved, I am absolutely electable. I have no intention of leaving this race now or after I win for freedom and liberty in the August 10th primary. Polls show me neck-in-neck with Hickenlooper, and my determination of the last 16 months will continue through November for victory in Colorado.
Dan Maes also had this to say on his Facebook page:
I will not leave this race after I win the primary. Anyone who thinks that one-sided reporting, inaccurate blog articles, and plain lies will scare me off is sadly mistaken. The people will decide as they did at the state assembly.
TCT is also trying to reach Scott McInnis for a statement as well.
UPDATE: Dick Wadhams’ response to Tancredo’s release:
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Contacts: Dick Wadhams: 303-758-3333, Chelsey Penoyer: 720-317-7134STATEMENT BY COLORADO REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN DICK WADHAMS ON TOM TANCREDO’S MINOR PARTY CANDIDACY FOR GOVERNOR
I am terribly disappointed in Tom Tancredo’s announcement that he has made a backroom deal with a minor political party to run for governor.
Tom Tancredo used the Colorado Republican Party to get elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in the 1970′s, to work as a political appointee in the Reagan administration in the 1980′s and to get elected to Congress from 1998 to 2008. But now it appears he wants to destroy Republican chances to win a governor’s race after four failed years of Bill Ritter.
This past December, Tom Tancredo wrote a compelling op-ed calling on Tea Party and 9-12 activists to not form a third party because previous conservative third parties “succeeded in electing the more liberal candidate after many conservatives waste their votes on a third party candidate.” Tom Tancredo should remember his own words.
Let there be no mistake about it: Regardless of who our nominee is for governor after the primary, if Tom Tancredo carries through on his threat to run as a third party candidate, he will be responsible for the election of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper as governor and for other races that will be imperiled as well.
The American Constitution Party’s platform calls for the elimination of congressional salaries and pensions. I assume when Tom Tancredo becomes that minor party’s nominee, he will forego his own congressional pension and will reimburse American taxpayers for the ten years of congressional salary he drew.
This afternoon, Tom Tancredo issued a press release regarding the gubernatorial race. We have been told that TCT will be given a statement by Dan Maes later tonight in response to this information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jen Raiffie, (720) 987-7620STATEMENT BY TOM TANCREDO
Events of the past two weeks have developed in such a way as to create an unprecedented situation in the race for Governor of Colorado. The two candidates vying for the Republican nomination have, in my opinion, lost any hope of carrying out a successful campaign.
This situation is unacceptable to me, and I am sure, to thousands of other Colorado Republicans, Independents and other Colorado voters whose hopes for a change to a smaller and fiscally responsible government in Colorado in November now seem dashed.
To achieve this goal the winner of the August Republican primary must step down and allow the Party to appoint a viable replacement candidate to face John Hickenlooper and the Obama-Pelosi smear machine. It is up to the Party to pick that replacement except that it is imperative he or she be a solid conservative with a chance to win the general election in November.
There are, because of time and party registration constraints imposed by state election laws and party rules, very few other options open to those Coloradans who seek a solution to this dilemma.
I, for one, will do what is necessary within those limitations to avoid the electoral disaster looming on the horizon. That disaster would not be limited to the loss of the Governor’s race, but of many “down ticket” races. The grass roots electorate would lack any incentive to get to the polls.
Therefore, today I am asking for a public commitment from both Scott McInnis and Dan Maes that they will do what is right for the state of Colorado. Regardless of the outcome of the Primary election on August 10, on August 11 the winner must agree to remove himself from consideration if polling on that date shows that he is losing the race for Governor. If either or both choose to ignore this request, and do not make a public commitment to this end no later than noon on Monday, July 26, I will announce on that day that I will seek the nomination of the American Constitution Party for Governor of Colorado.
If I run, I will do so to the best of my ability and will do so through the November election.
A great deal needs to be done for any candidate to put together a competitive campaign. Of course that includes raising the money necessary for such a race. Every hour of delay makes that a more difficult task.
This decision is completely in the hands of Dan Maes and Scott McInnis.
A publication written by "We the People," The Constitutionalist Today is comprised of articles from a range of writers, journalists, and bloggers. As such, the opinions herein may not reflect the opinions of our staff, management, or editorial board.
Filed Under: Centennial State • We the People
Related posts:
Comments (39)
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- TCToday
- TCToday
- Dan Maes Tweets
- Rich Lang
- Dan Maes Tweets
- Dan Maes Tweets
- TCToday
- TCToday
- TCToday
- Rich Lang
- Marta Serradell
- Tancredo Aims to be the Colorado Crist « Reclaim the Blue
Why would Tom try and create another Ross Perot situation? His ego has the best of him. Too bad, if he does this. It’s one more win for the Dems.
There are ego-maniacs on both sides of the aisle.
This year, Tom Tancredo certainly deserves the award for the number 1 self serving ego-maniac in Colorado, possibly the nation.
There are always negative press reports on about every political candidate–which typically happens at the end of the campaign season and a couple of weeks before voting starts.
Tancredo didn’t even give Maes or McInnis an opportunity to challenge or comment on these accusations before he jumped in to declare himself a backdoor candidate–and acting as if we live in the wild-wild west declaring that if Maes and McInnis don’t drop out of this race by high noon on Monday–he is going to call them out in the street.–LOL.
It is clear to me that Tancredo is nothing more than an opportunist. Tancredo knows that if he enters this race that Hickenlooper is certain to win. Tancredo’s actions are not about getting rid of what he considers corrupt politicians–it’s not about helping this state get back on track with conservative leaders. This for Tom Tancredo–is nothing more than about Tom Tancredo–and his own “personal” political advancement–regardless of the consequences to this state or it’s citizens.
A vote for Tom Tancredo is a vote for Hickenlooper.
What’s the real problem here? The real problem is that the people are taking control and are onto the shenanigans of the establishment and the press. Don Rogers says it well in the piece posted by Al Maurer on July 21st http://www.theconstitutionalisttoday.com/dan-maes-governor/.
Now, we see Tancredo committing political suicide. This too will pass and Tancredo has finally shown his true colors. Now the media in Denver is on trial. Will they give us any honest reporting or will they continue to minimize the people’s choice. Will they allow Dan Maes to show his class, wisdom and tenacity or will they keep spinning the drama to allow our State to be handed over to the Marxist globalists in Washington D.C. That’s precisely what happens if Hickenritter gets in. The future of my grandchildren is at stake here. I cannot afford to be duped by the lame stream media and back room politicians. The people made up there minds at the Republican State Assembly and the establishment has been in panic mode ever since. It’s time the establishment got a pink slip. Thank God Dan Maes has the fortitude to stand tall and the people have the vision & courage to rally around him.
Yesterday Congressman Tom Tancredo sent a missive to effectively “blackmail” the Colorado Republican Party. His memory must be failing or he would remember the impact of H. Ross Perot splitting the conservative vote or Ralf Nader the Liberal vote when they pulled similar stunts.
The Colorado Governor’s race looks to be a very close race. Rasmussen polls today show McInnis trailing the Democrat candidate by 45% to 43% and Maes trailing the Democrat Candidate by 46% to 43%. Margins are less than 3% between either GOP Candidate and the Democrat rival despite a coordinated effort in print and on the air waves to discredit both Maes and McInnis..
Considering the barrage of media and talk show bashing that both GOP candidates have received the past two weeks a 3%s spread is hardly the doomsday collapse that Tancredo and his talk show comrades Dan Caplis and Peter Boyles have been promoting!
While Tom is respected among conservatives, he is not exactly a choice that would attract Independents or disenchanted Democrats.
Nevertheless, Tom has threatened to enter the race under authority of an obscure party unless the two legitimate GOP candidates drop out! A two way split of the conservative vote in the General Election can only be expected to result in a Democrat win… just the opposite of Tom’s intent.
We have a process and had Tom desired to participate he had his chance just like any other Republican. Just because Tom and other GOP Elites didn’t fully vet their candidate does not justify an attempt to sabotage the party!
If Tom seriously wants to defeat the Democrat candidate, he would be well advised to turn his efforts to counseling Scott and Dan on selection of a Lt. Governor who would complement their slates and ensure a win for the GOP against a Democrat who has never polled above 42% in a General election poll until the recent GOP bashing party.
I have always respected Tom. However, today his ego has exceeded his common sense and it is time for the GOP to issue him the ultimatum.
Tom Tancredo just committed political suicide.
His statements regarding a 3rd party candidate just a few months ago:
“Some patriots are tempted to launch a third political party or back one of the existing small parties that never attract more than one or two percent of the vote in state races. I strongly believe that such a course is suicidal and would only result in splitting the conservative vote and guaranteeing the re-election of liberals and socialists.”–Tom Tancredo.
He might have believed that people forget about his past statements–but this is my little piece of “negative news” for Tom Tancredo–that he needs to defend–LOL.
Tancredo is in effect snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory. He would be 100% responsible for a Hickenlooper win–and he would never be forgiven for that–by either the Republican party or any conservative citizen in this state. In essense–his political career and or status as a political speaker is over.
I think if the pathway was clear for Maes to campaign against Hickenlooper then Maes would be ahead of this Progressive. Hickenlooper has yet to be fully challenged by any GOP candidate. When this happens… Hickenloopers ideology and past behavior will come to light. Maes is the cleanest between himself and McInnis.
I think Maes has a great shot at winning against Hickenlooper. It’s all about confidence and and explaining why a GOP candidate is the most sensible… despite all his Soap Opera drama.
Tancredo’s intent was not to commit political suicide or win the Governorship – it is to teach the Republicans a lesson. I hope they are listening because a far as I am concerned the Republican Party in Colorado is dying a slow painful death under the current leadership.
I couldn’t agree with you more Huss. We have been under the “Old Guard Rule” that decides for us. The Tea Party Movement introduced a new emphasis to follow, “Principle over Party.” When they finally get it… it will come because we have pressured them and keep pressuring them. I really don’t get why they like the power and why their brains cannot wrap around the concept of “Public Service.”
I find it hilarious that Tancredo has decided for himself that he is “a great candidate” to represent us in this race. Forget the caucus, assembly, primary, general election process….if Tom says it’s so, then it’s so. Man, and I thought Obama was the greatest threat to this country – now I’m wondering if Tancredo has got him beat!
I agree with all that you say except I don’t find it all that funny. As far as teaching the republicans a lesson, would it not be wiser to do what the rest of us have done and work within the party to change it? No, Tom doesn’t think so. He going to barge his arrogant butt out there and ensure a left-wing democrat is out next Governor! Well, there are about 600,000 grass roots people, including me, out there that are furious.
So lets take a look at his record.
He campaigned on a 3-term limit, then stayed 5 terms. His “reason”?: “Things changed”.
He wrote an open letter on how 3rd party candidates are bad.
His “reason”?: “Things changed”.
His party platform now includes abolition of congressional salaries and pensions.
Will he pay back his terms of salary and the pension he is drawing? Sure he will…
That’s Tom: Say one thing. Do another.
I might add that during the 2008 presidential election Tancredo made a threat to the GOP that if they didn’t focus on immigration that he would enter the race. Of course he ended up withdrawing. This type of threat is becoming a pattern of his. He’s threatened Maes and McInnis and again he’s fixated on one subject: immigration. We cannot have a governor who is so narrow in focus. He is playing the powerful position of spoiler. Which leads many of us to believe that all he wants is attention to immigration and himself. This is manipulative and controlling behavior. And who his he to throw such a gauntlet down? He seems to have a “messiah complex.” But the thing is… we don’t need saving and we have already decided on our candidate and we’ll suffer the consequences of our choices.
If I were him I would find a way to withdraw gracefully before he looses all respect of those who may still like him. He needs to do this before the ballots get mailed out and he cannot change votes being stolen from Maes and directed towards him.
In regard to today’s response from Tancredo’s camp, I don’t see that any circumstances have changed. We needed to focus and work together as a party last December and still do. It’s not time for everyone who has an idea or political ambitions to run off in fifty different directions because they don’t like the way everything has lined up. It appears Tancredo hasn’t changed either…once a narcissistic political opportunist, always a narcissistic political opportunist.
What a shame. Welcome to the Governorship Mayor Hickenlooper and goodbye Tancredo – forever.
What a wild past 2 weeks! Who would have ever believed we could see what is happenning. For most of us who truly are “Grassroots” and support that process, this can be totally bewildering – if we let it. Regardless of what some are saying, there are certain facts that cannot be ignored. Two years ago at the Republican State Assembley, Tom Tancredo received more applause and more of an ovation than Mitt Romney or Retiring Senator Wayne Allard. Tom Tancredo has a money machine in place that would be the envy of any candidate. Nothing could possibly send a louder message to Washington on the subject of Border Security and No Amnesty than the election as Governor of a state that Obama takes for granted to be in his hip pocket. In addition, no one is more “Grassroots,” more “Tea Party,” or more 9-12 than Tancredo. I have watched this man fight and fight and fight. There’s not any quit in Tancredo.
Having said the above, my Republican Primary ballot has laid on the kitchen cabinet all week with only the Governor’s race left un-checked. That’s because this race seems to change everyday, and because I take my vote very seriously, I don’t want to make a mistake. Folks, we have an interesting couple of weeks ahead of us, and I just hope we can all keep an open mind.
Our number 1 objective should to make certain that our “Sanctuary City – Pro Amnesty Mayor” does not become our Governor! Whatever happens in the end, we have to stick together.
He needs to reply without interjecting himself into this mess and creating a worse disdain from the public than when NRSC picked Norton.
Tom’s only mistake was getting OUT of the race in the first place to appease the Party. I’m sure he’s wishing he had stuck it out instead of listening to them tell him that “they know best”. Screw the Republican Party in Colorado – if they cared about the people they would STOP nominating candidates that have “paid their dues” and start nominating candidates that will represent US. Maes sounds good at a tea Party meeting – but what experience does he have? Did we not learn our lesson with Obama with electing someone with no experience? I will vote for McInnis in the primary and hope he steps down. If anyone is to blame for this mess it is the REPUBLICAN PARTY.
Anne, it is difficult to respond to your comments without being insulting. “IF” Tancredo’s actions were intended to, as you said “teach” the Republican Party, that would be like stabbing someone in the back and saying it was for their good health. Then you say stop nominating candidates that have “paid their dues”, yet you are going to vote for the candidate that has been nominated for paying his dues. Are you a hypocrite or self destructive? Comparing a businessman that is for the constitution and the rights of the people with the Marxist usurper is irrational. Your conclusion will lead to a conservative loss and possibly the permanent loss of our State Sovereignty. Do you want to “teach” Colorado a lesson?
For those who have ears, who is worse, those that believe the lies of the tyrants or the tyrants themselves? If no one believes the lies, then the tyrants have no power. Mr. Tancredo’s actions of late are tyrannical. We have a sincere candidate that is doing his utmost best to hold to the values of a statesman. My vote is going for the man that is listening to the PEOPLE. He has repeatedly stated that he will rein in spending, stand for the 10th Amendment, hold to the 2nd Amendment, enforce our immigration laws, and create an environment conducive to business and jobs. He has promised to bring back the energy business to Colorado. This has been the consistent message. I will not be blackmailed or scared into self destruction. Thank God we have a real choice for someone with integrity. What we need to STOP is our addiction to believing the lies. My vote goes for “The Peoples Choice”, Dan Maes.
Dan Maes is a probably a good guy – but he has no track record. I might as well be governor. I can’t trust him any more than I can trust the rest of the crowd. What if he gets into office and can’t handle the job? Blah balh blah on all his promises…how will he MAKE it happen? HOW? Where is the answer to the HOW?
If he can convince me he can handle it maybe – but he really should have been thinking about his lack of experience this whole time.
Bottom line is this – we are where we are because the Party officials screwed it up AGAIN.
And Tancrado doesn’t want a 3rd party he wants the Republican Party to do what is right. That’s what we ALL want. No more no less.
Anne, the statements you use to defend Tom are similar to those used by people who are in abusive relationships to justify their behavior. “If you didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have to hit you.” “It is for your own good.” If Tom allowed the GOP to talk him into dropping out, that was his decision and the rest of Colorado should not have to pay for that now. When you are a child you get back at people, when you grow up you should have learned to take accountability for your own actions.
No one has experience before they hold a position that is how you get that experience. Every Governor was a first time Governor once. Ronald Reagan had less experience to be Governor than Dan Maes. The Governor of South Dakota is a business man like Dan, not a politician. Now they have a 2% unemployment rate and a surplus. It is sad that so many people think you need to be a career politician to hold office now. Then they wonder why things never change for the better. That was not the intent of our forefathers.
Hope, that was the dumbest analogy I’ve heard in a long time.
Bottom line still stands – the Republicans in Colorado are as corrupt as Mt. Evans is high. I’m going to keep saying it until we replace them all and I don’t care who doesn’t like it. If Maes can’t even figure out campaign finance regulations then how the heck will he be governor? The Tea Party jumped too quickly on this guy. He’s not it. I’m more qualified to be governor than he is.
@J. Anne Huss: your blanket assessment of Republicans being corrupt is hyperbole and false. Yes there are many that are corrupt from that party and Tancredo was a leader in that party. So in your blank damning of the GOP you’ve just blasted Tancredo as being corrupt.
This is no longer about Dan Maes, or Scott McInnis or Tom Tancredo, or even the office of Governor. THIS IS NOW A BATTLE FOR THE ELECTION PROCESS IN COLORADO!
Why in the world would any candidate ever again do anything to get on the ballot? We can eliminate the entire campaigning process, vetting process, debate process, caucus process, county and state assembly process, primary process, etc. We should save us all the trouble, time, personal money and hard work and just wait for someone to be ANOINTED, and then when the media swarms all over them, give them an ultimatum demanding they step down for another ANOINTED candidate. It completely undermines the voting process, and would make Hugo Chavez or Fidel Castro proud.
And the saddest part of all is not ONCE have I heard any talking head, or party leader, or call in listener point out the frightening implications of the bigger picture.
So ask yourself this question. And this is to ALL voters from ALL parties.
Do you support a third party candidate usurping the electoral process and issuing ultimatums to duly nominated candidates at the last minute??????”
This is NOT about Dan Maes, Scott McInnis or Tom Tancredo.
This is Chicago politics. On steroids. Times 1000.
Katie – you are SPOT ON! We have 2 candidates, Maes & McInnis, both have worked very hard for nearly 2 years. Have they made mistakes? Of course, who hasn’t? We have a system to select the best candidate of the 2 and I will whole-heartedly support the winner of the primary. That is the way it works. Tancreado is a fair weather friend to the Colorado Republican Party that has treated him well.I have never witnessed such egotistical grandstanding. If he gets away with this it will be a travesty, with negative effects for many years to come. I urge everyone to contact Tancredo at tancredodotorg@gmail.com and let him know how inappropriate his actions are. Support him and you are voting for Hickenlooper. Either Maes or Mcinnis are a far better choice than Hickencredo!
In the book “Why The Militia” by Red Beckman, Red asks the question, “Who will the true ‘God’ hold responsible for the creation of the federal ‘god’? We the people will be responsible, because all the powers of a false ‘god’ come from we, the people. False gods are created by people who misuse the powers given to us by our creator, ‘God’.” The is true of giving power to a State or a political party as well.
Party officials can only screw us up if WE the people buy into a lie. Katie & Conservative4Colorado on this thread have stated what is ‘right’. We can all do what is right by not playing a blame game and taking responsibility for our own actions. So far, I’ve only seen one candidate willing to do that.
Agreed!
The only way any conservative governor will make any headway in Colorado is if conservatives also take back the House and Senate.
As it stands, if Maes or McGinnis pulls off a win in November, and we do not win at least one of the houses back, our governor will have a hard time getting much done, as the Dems will fight every bill, budget or idea floated, just because they can.
The progressive’s forward movement may be halted by the veto power of the governor, but nothing will be reversed, as the governor has limited power on his own.
Tancrado knows he can’t win, it is why he dropped out to begin with, what his true agenda is, has yet to be discovered. Nonetheless, we must get behind conservative candidates in our local races for the House and Senate; there is a good chance to take back the House, the Senate not so much, but at least, if we control one house, if Hick is elected we stand a chance to save the state until the next election and hopefully take it all back then.
At least people are paying attention this session; may it lead to truth and justice for all.
.
I don’t know that much about the GOP, being a Constitution Party member. But I do know that neither Dan Maes nor Scott McInnis can win.
Rasmussen has them both just behind Hickenlooper, 46% to 43%. Problem is, Rasmussen has a bias in favor of Republicans. That means that they are both at least 10 points down against him.
This website is not really representative of the T-Party movement. This site, and all those others that CLAIM to represent the T-Party, are really covert GOP groups. The true spirit of the T-Party is independent. They don’t want Dick Armey or anyone else taking away their voice.
When these GOP groups polled to find out who supported Tancredo, it was biased against him. You asked folks that you expected to oppose him. The questions were pushing for a particular answer. EVEN WITH ALL THAT, 34% said they support Tancredo. In other words, probably 75% of Conservatives would at least consider voting for him.
I happen to admire Dan Maes. He’s made something of himself. But he was dishonest about his campaign funds, something that is closely scrutinized. Don’t say it was a minor accounting error; it was technically fraud. Makes it hard to trust him when he isn’t being scrutinized.
Look, what you Republicans ought to be doing (don’t tell me you aren’t Republicans; I’m dumb, but not that dumb) is you ought to be setting up some way to nominate replacement candidates, and then set up a way for Republicans statewide to vote over the Internet. McInnis is gonna win the Primary and then step down. If you don’t prepare for this eventuality, the party insiders will appoint your candidate with NO input from party members.
Schuss.
.
“I’m dumb, but not that dumb” I’d be pretty dumb to buy into this malarkey. The question is, who are you working for and where did you get your crystal ball? I have my ear on the ground and what I’m hearing is that Tancredo couldn’t get elected as dog catcher right now. Your slanderous statements about Maes are patently false. Either you are willfully misleading people or your crystal ball is broken.
Most if not all of what you said is pure conjecture and opinion misrepresented as fact. You have an internal reason to put down the GOP candidates. You’re from a different party and the success of the GOP is a threat to your candidates winning. You say you know little about the GOP and yet you’ve criticized the GOP.
You state (without any fact basis what-so-ever) that Rasmussen is very unethical in an industry where professional conduct is it’s bread and butter. You accused Rasmussen of being biased towards Republicans. Bias is defined as when one sees the truth and ignores it based on favoritism or ideology. Just because Rasmussen may like the GOP (and I don’t know that) it doesn’t equate with unprofessional (and job killing) slanting of data in the favor of the GOP. And you throw in this arbitrary made of figure of 10%. Slick but I don’t buy off on that one.
Maes was NOT dishonest. He was mistaken in figures and his daughter made computing errors. Let’s not hope the IRS, when they audit you, are you more lenient towards you than you have been towards Maes.
Calling Tancredo a narcissist is tantamount to call me a racist because I do not want open borders. So be it, get on with the name calling and lets debate his true value. Tom is credible and a true conservative. He is not and has not cow-towed to the “R” party. As an “R” myself, I have long felt disenfranchised by Colorado’s “R” party! I already voted for Dan Maes but will certainly cast my vote for Tancredo. To those who call him a 1 trick pony — I say there is little more pressing to all of us now than Border Control. The current situation ravages our economic health, our healthcare, our schools, and of course National security —- maybe its not really just 1 trick! Yes, we need to make sure Hickenpooper doesn’t become our next Gov., Scott is a sad case of the old guard and Dan, well he is either not very good at running business or has crediblity issues as a conservative if he has (as it seems) scammed the system and buried much of his income to avoid paying taxes. I have seen his house, it is not what a one worker household of $89k can afford — do the math. Yes, I would have much prefered that Tom had stayed in the race months ago, yet things happen. If all of us who clearly see why Hickenritter ought not be the next Gov. can just get past our holier than thou high horse position, we can band together behind Tom and get a Gov. that has the stuff we need. I beseech all of you to deal with the bad taste of the process, and VOTE TANCREDO!
I have been talking to someone very well informed about immigration and he has confronted Tancredo several times and Tancredo could not answer his questions. You say Tancredo is not a one trick pony and yet you like him for the only trick he has and that is this alleged expertise on immigration. Tancredo is not seeing an accurate picture in the immigration issue. The very thing he is known for.
What you fail to understand Peter is that the process that is being overrun. Tancredo is acting like Reid and Pelosi in that “HE” is misusing his fame and being controlling and manipulative. I don’t buy off on his motives as being pure. I never realized that behind that amicable demeanor lie a very self-serving man. He knows full well he is destroying the conservatives chances. Because he said himself multiple times that running in or voting for a 3rd party would be suicidal for Republicans aka conservatives. See his Dec. 21, 2009 open letter to conservatives. On this site is his letter: http://freeandunited.com/blog/?p=478
Why did he vote for TARP? Why is Tancredo not a free market conservative?
I suggest you read up about Tancredo more before you cast your vote for him. Here is one article to get you started:
http://www.peoplespresscollective.org/2010/07/tancredonotafreemarketconservative/
“Tom Tancredo – Not A Free Market Conservative Before He Was Not A Republican”
Cindy, thank you for your clarifications. While I do not agree in total, I appreciate your attempt at edifying me. I appologize if I was not as clear I had hoped to be. Tom, in my opinion is our Country’s very best shot at significant changes to our border issues (which unfortunately have not been dealt with appropriately for toooo many past Presidental administrations). One trick? — let me clarify — we have no bigger issue in America today than our border issue. It is decimating our Economy, Medical programs, Schools, and security… hardly “one trick”. There are no easy answers to border issues, lets face it, we probably both know too many people who consider border issues a non-issue. Nevertheless, I am appalled at how Obama is wasting my money by suing Arizona over their new law. Likewise it makes me sick to read about Mr. Kreutz who was gunned down on his own ranch(4th generation) by illegal mexicans — he was a stalwart of Americanism, a rancher, a father, a grandfather, and a son; all taken away by tresspassers, that were not even in our Country legally! Another sad example of the ravages of our illegal problem — in Douglas County a few years ago an illegal mexican tied a rope around his girlfriend’s neck and drug her to her death behind his truck. I won’t even go into the obvious issues regarding our schools, hospitals, and economy. Is Tom’s current stance wrong compared to his past comments? Well for me, his position is quite pragmatic! Very little in life is static, our situation politically has been very dynamic (chaotic) and Tom is responding appropriately — in my opinion. Am I happy about a 3 way race? Well, suffice it to I’d prefer to see him supportted by the “R” party, but lets forget about that — they simply can’t see the forest for the trees any longer! In any event, lets not forget about Joe Liberman. I sincerly believe his actions are necessary now to force the “R” party to get a new candidate who will have a shot in Nov. If that happens, I have little doubt Tom won’t be in it in Nov. Yet if he is, I still think he will have a shot. My intel suggests there will be some damaging info coming out on Hickenlooper and it will help anyone opposing him — including Tom. Ok, as to TARP and the free Market issues you raise, with or without his vote, TARP was an unfortunate given. As to free markets, I suspect my values are not right enough for you and other activists in the ACP, yet whether we like it or not — regardless of the issue (or person) the fringes are never going to prevail, our country’s history tell us we always move towards the middle. I know it bugs me on my pet peeve issues, just like I suspect it annoys you on your issues. Sometimes, in my opionion, we need to focus less on our personal issues and try to find the balance point that will permit the specific issue to be move ahead.
Lets save our great Country — lets give Tom a chance!
I view Tom Tancredo as a traitor and a Benedict Arnold. In my eyes he has been hypocritical and opportunistic. I have researched his voting record, his past comments, etc. and I sincerely do not see him as a Conservative and he is not much better than Hickenlooper. I think Tancredo has tried to take advantage of the opportunity; the media outlets, the blogosphere, and the campaign driven attacks against Maes and Mcinnis have provided.
I think he has been plotting this for a while. I see past his congenial exterior and view him as controlling and manipulative just the same as Pelosi, Reid, and Obama. He seems prideful and in need of repentance. He is ruining the one last chance we had in electing; with a combined GOP/grassroots support for, a Conservative Governor. He is handing to Hickenlooper the governorship on a golden platter greased with our blood, sweat, and tears.
I practice what I preach and I will vote principle over party whether it be GOP or ACP and I will vote for Dan Maes. It is very premature to say that McInnis will win or that no one the GOP appoints couldn’t beat Hickenlooper and Tancredo with one arm tied around their back. Or even that Maes will not pull an upset.
What I will say is that a 3rd party run is splitting the vote. Therefore no matter how popular Tom (no substance) Tancredo is, he cannot win. The strategy that Tancredo didn’t take into account is that we, in the Tea Party, will not be strong armed into compliance. If Tancredo does not check his pride at the church door he will bring a 3-way race with him as the resounding loser. Dan Maes is the cleanest of all the candidates running for Governor and as such my 9-12 values are kickin’ in for Dan Maes only.
I will vote for DAN MAES FOR GOVERNOR!
Wow! I either hit an incredibly raw nerve, or you are an unyeilding zealot of monumental proportions —- I can not even begin to respond your comment that Tom is not much better than Hickenlooper — there is ideology and then there is pragmatism; guess your version of the TEA party is not for me. While we will likely never agree, I simply don’t see Tom as the spoiler. Dan Maes has no shot against Hick, it is sad, but its also reality. Tom just may have a good shot. I will still put my money on McInnis disappearing from the scene in the not too distant future.
Best of luck to you Dan, my money stays with Tom!
No raw nerve hit. You just replied on a website with good writers with opinions are more likely to comment on it.
I saw this chart yesterday that I cannot find. But it shows blocks of how big the various parties are in Colorado. Mathematically, Tancredo cannot possibly win.
Think clearly now, if you have 2 parties and both are close to each other in numbers. Then you add another party but with a somewhat popular candidate. That popular candidate siphon’s off votes. But the Democrat levels remain the same. MATH says clearly that the Democrats win.
And Tancredo would have to be wildly more popular than he is. And when the full picture is portrayed about Tancredo and his voting record… the true conservatives will vote for Maes in greater numbers than for Tancredo.
Tancredo you must drop out… question is, “Will you let your maniacal ego stop you from doing what is right?”
[ego comment was based upon article in which he enjoys that title]
So I am left to conclude that either Tancredo has an ego to equal our president or he’s signed up to work for the Democrats. Because if he does not withdraw he will be handing the win to Hickenlooper. And Hickenlooper would have been defeated for sure.
I don’t have a lot to add, but I am voting for Dan Maes in the primary and will vote for the Republican winner in the general. Tom has lost my respect.
OPPS! my last post meant to close with ….best of luck to you CINDY & …..
it was not a reply to the poster named Dan
I am thankfull that you have endorsed Dan Maes for Governor. I know it may not be your policy to endorse candidates prior to a primary, but, I agree with you that this case is extraordinary. Politics is an unfriendly beast and the evils of power hungry people come roaring out as they have already. This gives me personal hope that Dan Maes is the right person, because those who fear him have the most to lose if he wins. Go Dan Maes.
Regardless of what happens between now and November, it’s time to welcome Governor Hickenlooper to the Governor’s mansion.
Thank you Congressman Tancredo.