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politics and politicians Title: Big showing by Tancredo could hurt GOP and adopted third party Buoyed by new polling and endorsements, would-be governor Tom Tancredo continues to cast himself as the lone, conservative answer to Democratic candidate John Hickenlooper. But a big win for Tancredo — or even drawing much closer — could spell a big loss for both the GOP and his adopted third party, the American Constitution Party, for the next four years. If Republican nominee Dan Maes receives less than 10 percent of the vote in November, the GOP becomes a minor party and subject to rules that could cut in half the amount its candidates can collect in campaign contributions. As Republicans absorb the news, leaders of the 2,000-plus-person ACP worry about their potential promotion to the majors if Tancredo exceeds 10 percent at the polls, a status that comes with new and costly organizational requirements. Former ACP chairman Doug Campbell reveled in the GOP predicament, if not that of his own party, which may have to host precinct caucuses throughout the state and mail out primary ballots. "I believe the phrase is 'hoisted by his own petard.' If the Republicans hadn't been so condescending to minor parties when they had the majority, they wouldn't be in this position right now," Campbell said. He said Republicans, with Democratic support, made rules to make sure third-party candidates were treated differently, and "now it's coming back to bite them." By state law, major-party candidates automatically stand for a primary election — even if they're unopposed — ahead of the general election. And because they technically run in two races, they can raise twice as much money under campaign-finance limits. Minor-party candidates only stand for a primary election if they're challenged by one of their own. GOP chairman Dick Wadhams called that fundraising fact "more bad news," but he pointed out lawmakers could change the rules next year. A recent Denver Post/9News poll conducted by SurveyUSA puts Maes dangerously close to single digits at 15 percent, trailing Hickenlooper at 46 percent and Tancredo at 34 percent. Political prognosticators like Denver pollster Floyd Ciruli said it will be nearly impossible for Tancredo to win a three-way race. "It would require huge percentages of unaffiliated and a vast majority of Republican voters. There's never been any indication in his career that he can do that," Ciruli said. "And there's going to be a residual vote for Maes hanging on there." Ciruli said it's more likely that Tancredo would take from Maes than Hickenlooper, who has held steady in the mid- to high 40 percent range in most polls. Both Ciruli and Republican critics of Hickenlooper said the Denver mayor could face problems commanding authority at the statehouse if he skates into office with less than 50 percent of the vote. Tancredo in July switched his party affiliation to ACP to run, saying neither of the Republicans in the race at the time were qualified. In order to win, he must overcome those Republicans offended that he skirted the nominating process and attract those who vote Republican no matter what. Ciruli predicts Tancredo also will have a tough time with middle-of-the-road Republicans — roughly a quarter of the party — who may see him as too extreme to earn their vote. The former congressman nonetheless has done all he can to push Maes out of the race. His campaign continues to broadcast endorsements from well-known Republicans such as former U.S. Reps. Bob Beauprez and Joel Hefley as well as scads of former and current state representatives and senators. On Monday, he named more than 30 grassroots activists who support him. And last week, he pointed to Maes' low polling numbers and demanded the Republican bow out. "As Maes fades, Tancredo in his heart of hearts believes he can fade to virtual zero. Then Tancredo becomes the last-standing conservative candidate and the de facto Republican in a Republican year," Denver political analyst Eric Sondermann said.
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#1. To: Skip Intro (#0)
BINGO!!!
Getting tired of the bozoed calcon following me around on the 'net, wanting to discuss "tossing salad." Sorry, you sick rump-ranger. NOT interested.
These authors' concerns seems to be with the "parties'" health, rather than our country's, or its people. In other words,(ahem) a couple of "ONE PARTY/TWO WINGS" SHILLS. Fuck em.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
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