A kinder, gentler Republican campaign being run by former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson is showing indications of making a difference, everywhere but in the polls. His recent push through Iowa with his campaign bus tour had him being friendly and gentle to everyone he met on the road. Many individuals have said they really like what the man has to say, but the poll numbers to not indicate that is translating into votes.
In Iowa polls conducted by American Research Group between December 16 and 19, Thompson was showing at five percent. Polls conducted December 20 and 23 show he had slipped to three percent, according to results posted at USAElectionPolls.com. The candidate showing the most increase in potential votes by declared Republicans is Ron Paul from Texas who saw his stock rise from four percent to 10 percent between the two polls.
Thompson plans to return to Iowa for the days following the Christmas campaign break and the January 3 caucus and then move into New Hampshire for the January 8 primary election. His position in New Hampshire has not changed since his September entry into the arena, a day after the New Hampshire Republican debate. Many see his late entry into the race as well as failure to participate in that debate as creating a wedge with many conservative voters.
Mike Huckabee has taken a significant lead in Iowa and while Mitt Romney has a fingertip hold on first in New Hampshire, John McCain is threatening to loosen his grip on the state with 25 percent to Romney's 28 percent lead in the polls.
In the midst of all these media reports that Fred Thompson will collapse, Strategic Vision consistently shows Fred Thompson in a strong third place finish in Iowa with approximately 15-16% support.
