As of August, 2007 the Republican Party has suffered two casualties in the ranks of those vying for the nomination. Jim Gilmore and Tommy Thompson have come to realize that they neither have the funds nor the tenacity needed to remain in a race that seems to be taking place between a small group of players, most of which appear to have unlimited financial backing and also a host of loyal supporters.
While according to the USA Election Polls website Jim Gilmore never really made much of a splash, Tommy Thompson was a player who could never shake the single digit status. The FEC showcases the Gilmore raised – as of 06-30-07 – only $391,692 while Thompson brought in $889,897. When compared to other single digit candidates, such as Tom Tancredo who raised $2,778,056, the writing was on the wall.
While Jim Gilmore realized that it was impossible to continue on with the limited funds at his disposal, Tommy Thompson was severely chastened by the Ames Straw Poll that took its toll in August of 2007. Coming in sixth with only 7.3% of the votes, Thompson understood that the support simply is not to be found, especially when considering that Tom Tancredo is ahead of him. It is questionable whether these two hopefuls will try a run in the future or if the experiences of 2007 are sufficient to turn them off any notion that might persuade them to seek higher office in the future; 2012 will tell the tale in this respect – as will, to a lesser extent – the results of the 2008 election.
> View the online archive of the latest 2008 presidential polls.
