Thompson party isn't exactly a big bash
Only 5 turn out to celebrate candidacy of former senator
In Utah, though, just five "FredHeads" turned out to hear Thompson's message early Thursday evening at what had been planned as a party at Utah Republican Party headquarters to celebrate the candidacy of the former Tennessee senator and actor.
Grant Lynn, a Salt Lake financial planner who organized the event, told the group that Thompson won his support because he is the only candidate with "the courage to talk" about the looming Social Security crisis as the nation's population ages.
Long before Thompson was even considered a possible candidate, Lynn said he knew he wanted "to find a leader who says enough is enough.... I just didn't feel that fire in the gut from anybody else."
Jennifer Stephens, a Salt Lake federal office worker, agreed. "I was thinking lip service, because that's what most politicians give," Stephens said. "That's what drew me to him, too, that he's willing to say something unpopular."
Thompson, who announced his candidacy on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Wednesday, offered supporters an abbreviated version of his Webcast announcement speech, which can be found at www.fred08.com.
Brenda Caine, a Salt Lake online instructor, told the group she had already viewed the Webcast. "It's good. It's very good," she said. Later, Caine told reporters that Thompson is the most electable Republican in the race, the only one with "the whole package."
Polls, however, have shown that Utahns support another Republican in the race, Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor is well-known in the state as the leader of the successful 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
E-mail: lisa@desnews.com
Recent comments
After the 2006 Congressional Election, this country is going to need...
Conservative | Sept. 11, 2007 at 8:44 a.m.
Even Hillary will leave tire tread marks up along Thompson's back in...
MH | Sept. 10, 2007 at 10:30 p.m.
Sometimes I think Fred Thompson is more of a mormon than Mitt Romney....
Curtis | Sept. 10, 2007 at 2:28 p.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
152 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
94 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Have to match and move boozer
These were rampant crime spree shoplifters and the driver was willing to...
Either way, we win. You match, you (our division rival) pay much luxury tax....
YES we have free-agency to choose however when will society or even members...
Of course the Jazz weren't going to make such an offer to Millsap. Why would...
Just reward for the Jazz. The initial offer of 1 million was an insult and...
Boozer may be the best thing that ever happens to the Jazz. Neither of them...
"As for the girl, One encounter could be seen as a victim, multiple over a...
As a current LDS Religious Educator I am sick and sickened by what has been...
Lots of times people get accused for things they did not do. And i am hoping...


