Tancredo Out
From the Boston Globe, among others:
Tom Tancredo pulled out of the presidential race yesterday and endorsed Mitt Romney, saying his erstwhile rival is the Republican with the best chance to win the White House and continue the fight to end illegal immigration, an issue the Coloradan helped push to the forefront of the campaign.
Does this mean that immigration isn't an important issue in the presidential campaign?
Heck no. Especially on the Republican side, immigration is going to be a huge issue this cycle. Voters are frustrated by Washington's inaction on the topic and in the absence of policy, they seem to be looking for the "get-tough" candidate, at least on the GOP side.
But what it does mean is immigration isn't the only issue.
Go ahead, think of another policy stand you've heard Tancredo take. I'll give you a minute.
. . . .
Can't do it, can you?
Whether through his own doing or some slight of media coverage, Tancredo became known as the "immigration guy" and only the "immigration guy." Even Ron Paul is known more than just being the Republican who wants to get the military out of Iraq.
Although Tancredo is bowing out, I would say he's got to get some measure of credit for forcing Mike Huckabee to harden his tone as he charges up the polls against Mitt Romney.
