From an issues standpoint I saw a lot to like in Duncan Hunter, and was attracted to him early. But he never displayed the campaign 'savvy' I'd expect from a viable candidate.
Once it became apparent Fred Thompson might enter the race I moved over to him. Why? I saw his exposure on TV as a plus (a familiar face) and he displayed conservatives principles on issues that meshed. But, for some reason he didn't display the heart needed and ran a very weak campaign. Though he lasted through my primary (Super Tuesday) and I voted for him, I wound up with Romney (and a clothes pin on my nose) after Thompson quit the race.
Romney was a fall-back position and not a very serious one. Fall-back because the two entrants I swore I'd never back were Giuliani and McCain. And when I make such an oath I keep it.
As a Thompson backer I never trashed Hunter. I liked him as I did Tancredo (at least on the immigration issue), but never could consider the two of them going anywhere. I was proved correct, unfortunately.
You can hold it against people for making disparaging remarks about a given candidate, but I'll assure you, the worst by far was the Ron Paul supporters. Arrogance, condescension and patronizing petulance are words that come to mind. Many of them left FR (many were forced to leave) and I'm quite glad that scene is over.
I have done battle face to face with Paulets.
Anti war and many with Michael Moore 9/11 beliefs,
They really drank the kool-aid
Many have jumped on the Barrbet bandwagon, another
wack job.
They would rather back their third party demagogues
and see that Obama wins.