COLORADO. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R) -- a 2008 Presidential hopeful -- announced Monday he will not see re-election next year. "It's the fact that I really believe I have done all I can do in the House, especially about the issue [immigration] about which I care greatly," Tancredo explained to the Rocky Mountain News. Tancredo also said that if his White House bid fails, he's thinking of running against US Senator Ken Salazar (D) in 2010. No word as to whether Tancredo would also consider continuing his Prez run as a third party candidate under the Constitution Party banner -- but his decision not to seek re-election gives Tancredo the third party option without negative repercussions in a messy House renomination fight. Iraq War veteran and Secretary of State Mike Coffman (R) is quickly laying the groundwork for a likely run, and is viewed as the prohibitive favorite for both the primary and general if he jumps in. Several other Republican office holders are also looking at the race. While Dems will make a run at this open seat, the GOP should be able to hold this seat by a comfortable margin.
IOWA. A new University of Iowa poll shows a close Democratic Presidential contest, but a clear frontrunner for the GOP primary. The DEM numbers: Hillary Clinton - 29%, Barack Obama - 26%, John Edwards - 20%, Bill Richardson - 7%, Joe Biden - 5%, and all others at 1% or less. The GOP numbers: Mitt Romney - 36%, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee tied at 13% apiece, Fred Thompson - 11%, John McCain - 6%, Tom Tancredo - 2%, and all others at 1% or less. Interestingly, 55% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans said they were somewhat likely or very likely to change their minds about the candidate they were supporting before the January 3 caucuses. One disclaimer: UIowa
apparently doesn't screen as tightly for likely caucus goers as do some other leading polls.P2008. Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney continue to keep their third party options open for the 2008 Presidential race. Both are taking steps the maximize their options. The latest proof: Nader and McKinney each allowed their names to be placed on the California Presidential primary ballot for both the Green Party and Peace & Freedom Party contests, according to
Ballot Access News. Socialist Party nominee Brian Moore will also compete in the PFP primary, as the winner of the PFP primary is guaranteed the party's ballot line on the November ballot in the state. McKinney has also allowed her name to be placed on the Green primary ballot for the Illinois primary. Nader and McKinney have both expressed an interest in the Green nomination, but each also claims to have not yet made any decision on running next year.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. Two significant Presidential endorsements in the Granite State on Monday. US Senator Judd Gregg (R) -- the key prize among NH GOP leaders -- endorsed Mitt Romney. Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchard (D) -- a favorite of NH progressives -- endorsed Bill Richardson.
