Posted on 01/04/2008 5:59:53 PM PST by americanophile
Did you know there’s another caucus before the New Hampshire primary? Yes, it’s Wyoming, and it’s Saturday, January 5. Though it’s raised the ire of the RNC, Wyoming is moving forward with its primary anyway in the hopes of playing an important, if less than decisive role, in selecting the GOP nominee.
To add to the mystery, no major media operation is covering the race, nor have they bothered to poll Wyomingites, so we are left to wonder who, if anyone, will win, and whether it will matter.
The buzz in Wyoming centers around two candidates - Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney, the only two major candidates who have visited the state, though the momentum generated by Thursday’s contest in Iowa could make Huckabee a competitor, and low turnout could even hand a surprising victory to the likes of Ron Paul.
John McCain remains the only westerner among the major candidates, but his campaign has made little effort in the state. Given these facts, and his surprise showing in Iowa, it looks as if Wyoming could be fertile ground for former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. The folksy, gun-owning Senator could hit the right note with plain-spoken, independent Wyomingites.
Still, Mitt Romney’s organization skills should not be discounted, nor should the enthusiasm of his fellow Mormon parishioners, who comprise a significant minority and can count on organizational support from bordering Utah.
In all likelihood, Wyoming will make little difference to the national race, if for no other reason because it will take place on a weekend, but it’s true impact may be upon New Hampshire. If Romney wins, its suggests the beginning of a comeback that could carry over into New Hampshire. For Thompson, it could provide continuing hope for his devoted following and could keep him relevant while he waits for South Carolina and the southern primaries.
It’s anyone’s guess, but the smart money is probably on Thompson.
Interesting. I did not know. Thanks for posting.
A couple of things to keep track of this weekend:
The Wyoming caucus, which, oddly enough, may or may not get any mainstream media coverage.
Two back-to-back GOP debates:
Saturday, January 5 on ABC at 4PM PDT
Sunday, January 6 on Fox at 5PM PDT
One would think a poor showing by John McCain would mean the people who know him the best (former Mexican Territory, Rocky Mountain State) would have some meaning to the enemedia, but it won’t. They will look at the Wyoming results as an opportunity to disqualify Fred Thompson or Mitt Romney, whoever finishs second, if they cover it at all.
Duncan Hunter and his wife (who used to live in Wyoming) have been campaigning in Wyoming, too.
I’d love to see Fred win this primary. I’ve been donating to his campaign and will give more if he gets some significant endorsements and places well in the next few primaries.
Just saw this on Fred’s web site. Sorry to say I missed all of these appearances! Will have to look for the videos when they are available. Someone said Fred had a nice long interview with Wolf B. Anyone see them?
Here are three upcoming media appearances for Fred today:
Fred Thompson Live Interview on MSNBC with Norah O’Donnell at 3:30 pm ET
Fred Thompson Live Interview on Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto at 4:00 pm ET
Fred Thompson interview on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer between 4-5 pm ET
Yea I’ve known Wyoming was Sat for a while, yet the media ignores it. Course it is just Wyoming in this area that nobody really cares about.
Then again it could be that Fred is doing well there and the media in their blackout of him don’t want to mention it.
Talked to someone at work today about Iowa caucuses and they had NO IDEA the Fred was running for president. Asked how he did and was suprised he placed third cause the media was saying Huckabee/Romney for first and second Rudy/McCain having poorer then expected showing.
Media outlets just skipped over that he came in third. Apparently Dodd and Biden dropping out was bigger news.
Could be Fred big moment by winning Wyoming, but who would notice?
Fred just got the Wy RTL endorsement today!
Romney’s a city slickster.
He got the National RTL endorsement last week!
Probably not Fred’s moment. Since yesterday’s Iowa caucus, his dropout contract has risen by ~40 points, currently at 75% and leading the pack.
DROPOUT.JAN08.(F)THOMPSON
Fred Thompson to drop out of 2008 Presidential race on/before 31 Jan 2008 75.0
Huckabee has surged because he won a couple of debates and he’s got evangelical support. If a quick rise can happen to the liberal pro-life evangelical Huckster, it can happen to the conservative pro-life evangelical Hunter.
I do not know Duncan Hunter’s strategy. However, he may yet surprise us even before New Hampshire. Because he has campaigned in Wyoming, which has a race before New Hampshire, and no one else is campaigning there.
Wyoming to Hold Overlooked GOP Caucus Before New Hampshire
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1947693/posts
Then there’s New Hampshire. Hunter’s already there while everyone else wraps up in Iowa. It’s conceivable that he will have momentum.
Basically, it’s a wide open race, with the lead changing on a weekly basis. Might as well support the truest conservative, Hunter.
The fact that both Wyoming and Hunter have been ignored by the MSM should create a natural affinity! Not to mention that Hunter's true-blue conservatism should have appeal out there. Go Hunter!
bump
GO WYOMING!! My favorite state where liberty still matters.
Could be. I certainly can't see Wyoming voters going ga-ga over Huckabee. Since Fred is better on the 2nd amendment than Romney, that might help, too.
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