Polling shows Tancredo gaining on Hickenlooper

[rightwinger]

OUR VIEW: Gov. Tancredo? It could happen (vote here)
Poll has him within 10 points
September 28, 2010 5:46 PM

Try saying it, just to see what itâ??s like: â??Governor Tancredo.â?�

It was far-fetched a few weeks ago, as this column pointed out, but not so much anymore. A Pulse Opinion Research Poll Tuesday showed former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, a Republican running as the Constitution Party candidate, within 10 points of Denver Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper. Democrats would be in serious trouble today, if it werenâ??t for Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Maes. They had better hope and pray Maes doesnâ??t drop from the race and throw his support to Tancredo, giving the former congressman a likely win.

Who would have thought it possible, a month or two ago, that a Constitution Party candidate would make this a race? Nobody who knows anything about Colorado politics.

Itâ??s astonishing what the establishment could be in for in November, and the unlikely ascent of Tancredo is just one more indicator.

â??With a 10-point margin, at this point, I donâ??t think itâ??s a stretch to say Tancredo is in striking distance. Stranger things have happened in politics,â?� said Bob Drake, who ran campaigns for former Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Wirth. Drake works as a partner in Talmey-Drake Research Strategy, a political research firm in Boulder.

Drakeâ??s partner, veteran Colorado pollster Paul Talmey, says itâ??s clear that voters are angry at Democrats.

â??The fact this is not a walk for Hickenlooper is absolutely astounding,â?� Talmey said. â??A 10 percent margin cannot be consider a walk. I think this shows us that a lot of people really are ready for a third party.â?�

The poll found Hickenlooper at 44 percent, Tancredo at 34 percent and Maes at 15 percent. If Tancredo cuts support for Maes by 10 points, he could be in a dogfight with Hickenlooper. If Maes drops out, Hickenlooper fights an uphill battle.

Talmey said the polling data mean Hickenlooper will have to view Tancredo as a serious opponent, and consider ways to build up Maes.

Drake said with only a 10 percent lead, Hickenlooper may start regretting promises to avoid going negative. If the lead drops to 7 points or fewer, Drake said Hickenlooper may have to break his promise of an all-positive campaign â?? a promise made when it seemed nobody would reach his stratosphere in the polls.

Bylaws of the Colorado Republican Party require Chairman Dick Wadhams to support the nominee â?? even though Maes has no chance and Wadhams urged him to drop out.

(Please vote in poll to the right in red type. Must vote to see results. Thanks!)

â??What this poll reveals is the fact John Hickenlooper is clearly a very weak and vulnerable candidate,â?� Wadhams said. â??He has been stuck at 45 percent in nearly every poll that has been conducted, and thatâ??s with a weak opponent. Without a split on the right, he loses.â?�

Though a 10-point lead shouldnâ??t have Hickenlooper too worried, he should fear that Maes drops out. Why would Maes do that? Because his stories of running a successful business were fake. Short of winning the governorâ??s race, which isnâ??t possible, Maes has no job. Imagine if Tancredoâ??s camp whispers Maes the promise of a mid-level government job in return for dropping from the race. In addition to giving Maes incentive to step aside, it would be an olive branch to his handful of supporters. If something of that sort occurs, say hello to Governor Tancredo â?? of the Constitution Party.

â??I think anything could happen this year,â?� Talmey said.

At least itâ??s not the boring old politics as usual.

OUR VIEW: Gov. Tancredo? It could happen (vote here) | view, gov, vote - Opinion - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO (http://www.gazette.com/opinion/view-105441-gov-vote.html)


As most of you are probably aware Tancredo is for legalizing marijuana.

Tancredo calls for legalizing marijuana « Colorado Independent (http://coloradoindependent.com/62723/tancredo-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana)

[copobo]

it's a shame he's such a douche bag otherwise.

[Zedleppelin]

As most of you are probably aware Tancredo is for legalizing marijuana.



His voting record in Congress begs to differ.

[cologrower420]

His voting record in Congress begs to differ.

I'm sure I'm missing something, but what are you referring to? Isn't tancredo the most pro-legal or pro-mmj candidate?

Congress Turns its Back on Medical Marijuana -- Again (http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/07_08_04hincheyvote.cfm)

Tancredo Votes for Medical Marijuana Bill (http://www.5280.com/print/98807)

I would like to clarify that I think all politicians are scum.

[wkhey4]

Anyone seriously considering voting for this lunatic ought to have their head examined !

[Zedleppelin]

I'm sure I'm missing something, but what are you referring to? Isn't tancredo the most pro-legal or pro-mmj candidate?

Congress Turns its Back on Medical Marijuana -- Again (http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/07_08_04hincheyvote.cfm)

Tancredo Votes for Medical Marijuana Bill (http://www.5280.com/print/98807)

I would like to clarify that I think all politicians are scum.


Voted YES to disallow states from making their own medical marijuana laws. (Jul 2006)

Voted YES on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)

[cologrower420]

Voted YES to disallow states from making their own medical marijuana laws. (Jul 2006)

Voted YES on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)

Thanks. I'm only seeing articles that see him as pro-legalization. Worth looking into.

[bikeTripper]

A lot of these right wing Republicans tend towards Libertarianism. Libertarians are not positively pro-legalization as you and I think of it, rather they are staunchly anti government. They don't think government should regulate much of anything. It is all a matter of their particular view of constitutional principals.

I have heard hard core Libertarians say that it is fine if the last member of a species is killed as government does not have the right to regulate activities such as pollution by industries which might lead to their death. Unregulated commerce is pretty much their ethos.

While it may sometimes be true that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', I'd look REAL carefully at the whole package before deciding if this guy is on your side.

Regarding the Constitutional Party itself (from wikipedia):

The party's goal as stated in its own words is "to restore our government to its Constitutional limits and our law to its Biblical foundations."

:eek:

[cologrower420]

A lot of these right wing Republicans tend towards Libertarianism. Libertarians are not positively pro-legalization as you and I think of it, rather they are staunchly anti government. They don't think government should regulate much of anything. It is all a matter of their particular view of constitutional principals.

I have heard hard core Libertarians say that it is fine if the last member of a species is killed as government does not have the right to regulate activities such as pollution by industries which might lead to their death. Unregulated commerce is pretty much their ethos.

While it may sometimes be true that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', I'd look REAL carefully at the whole package before deciding if this guy is on your side.

Regarding the Constitutional Party itself (from wikipedia):

The party's goal as stated in its own words is "to restore our government to its Constitutional limits and our law to its Biblical foundations."

:eek:
If you'd care to research it, the heart of most capital L libertarians would prevent them from seeking office and generally being involved in the shitass political arena. Just the act of being a politician goes against most Libertarians views, so it's exceedingly unlikely that a Libertarian would even seek office, let alone get elected.

I think. I'm sure more educated among us can correct me.

edit: To qualify, I get most of my libertarian-info from theagitator, fwiw.

[bikeTripper]

If you'd care to research it, the heart of most capital L libertarians would prevent them from seeking office and generally being involved in the shitass political arena. Just the act of being a politician goes against most Libertarians views, so it's exceedingly unlikely that a Libertarian would even seek office, let alone get elected.

I think. I'm sure more educated among us can correct me.

edit: To qualify, I get most of my libertarian-info from theagitator, fwiw.

You are correct, but I was talking about the Right Wing Republican types (and yes, I am painting with a broad brush) who 'tend towards' Libertarianism. Maybe I was a little unclear? What they really like is the non regulatory attitude towards business.

They are definitely not Libertarians in the 'Big L' sense. It's sort of a pick and choose 'Little L' libertarian trend in their politics. I don't think they share the true Libertarians' fondness for civil liberties though. They are too much into being control freaks for that.

One of the things the Repubs have been really good at for the last 30 years is finding single issue voters and targeting them to put together winning electoral numbers. They get people so worked up about some social issue or other rhetorical hot button that they vote against their own larger interests.

My only real point is don't trust Tancredo just because he's pro legalization. I'd say the same thing about George Will, Pat Buchanan, and Bob Barr, etc...

[mustangwomyn]

One of the things the Repubs have been really good at for the last 30 years is finding single issue voters and targeting them to put together winning electoral numbers. They get people so worked up about some social issue or other rhetorical hot button that they vote against their own larger interests.



This is an issue I frequently discuss with my Other Half frequently. Don't vote just because the politican supports a cause you are for, when all other issues they are a total flip flop on. Consider all the facts before giving them a nod for what ever party they have in their back pocket.

Just my 02¢ take it 4 what its worth

[cologrower420]

You are correct, but I was talking about the Right Wing Republican types (and yes, I am painting with a broad brush) who 'tend towards' Libertarianism. Maybe I was a little unclear? What they really like is the non regulatory attitude towards business.

They are definitely not Libertarians in the 'Big L' sense. It's sort of a pick and choose 'Little L' libertarian trend in their politics. I don't think they share the true Libertarians' fondness for civil liberties though. They are too much into being control freaks for that.

One of the things the Repubs have been really good at for the last 30 years is finding single issue voters and targeting them to put together winning electoral numbers. They get people so worked up about some social issue or other rhetorical hot button that they vote against their own larger interests.

My only real point is don't trust Tancredo just because he's pro legalization. I'd say the same thing about George Will, Pat Buchanan, and Bob Barr, etc...

This is a surprisingly good post for a forum like this. I appreciate your input.

I agree with you on all fronts. My parents are bible-belt repubs, so your point about single issues like gay marriage I can relate to.

My father owns a small business which will be mine soon, so I appreciate how he thinks.

[rightwinger]

Voted YES to disallow states from making their own medical marijuana laws. (Jul 2006)

Voted YES on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)


I don't think anyone is arguing the point of what Tancredo used to think--but he is for legalizing marijuana NOW.

The debates have been on-going and he has taken a beating on his stance from the other two gubanatorial candidates John Hickenlooper and Dan Maes.

I am just stating that now--the most favorable candidate to marijuana is Tom Tancredo. Many on the conservative side of the isle have finally realised that this country has wasted almost a trillion dollars on the war on marijuana--over the last 60 years--and it hasn't even put a dent into it. So they are for legalizing it--and taxing it.

Here is what happened during the last debate between the gubanatorial candidates.


Tom Tancredo today called for the legalization of marijuana.

â??Legalize it. Regulate it. Tax it,â?� said the American Constitution Party candidate for governor. He said despite all the time and money dedicated to the war on drugs, it has been a complete failure. â??If you can show me where we can get people off drugs by continuing down this same path, then show me,â?� he said.

Tancredo said no one skulks around parks or school playgrounds trying to sell alcohol for the simple reason that the law provides no incentive for such behavior given that you can sell alcohol legally to adults.

Republican Dan Maes and Democrat John Hickenlooper both said they oppose legalization of marijuana. The comments were made at a debate in Colorado Springs sponsored by Action 22, a political action group representing 22 counties in SE Colorado.

Maes said if pot was legalized and taxed, the money brought in would probably just be wasted on the expansion of social programs anyway. â??We might as well prostitute our teenage daughters and tax that,â?� he said sarcastically.

Tancredo calls for legalizing marijuana « Colorado Independent (http://coloradoindependent.com/62723/tancredo-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana)

[rightwinger]

I don't think anyone is arguing the point of what Tancredo used to think--but he is for legalizing marijuana NOW.

The debates have been on-going and he has taken a beating on his stance from the other two gubanatorial candidates John Hickenlooper and Dan Maes.

I am just stating that now--the most favorable candidate to marijuana is Tom Tancredo. Many on the conservative side of the isle have finally realised that this country has wasted almost a trillion dollars on the war on marijuana--over the last 60 years--and it hasn't even put a dent into it. So they are for legalizing it--and taxing it.

Here is what happened during the last debate between the gubanatorial candidates.



Tancredo calls for legalizing marijuana « Colorado Independent (http://coloradoindependent.com/62723/tancredo-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana)


Here is the entire--debate article


Tom Tancredo today called for the legalization of marijuana.

â??Legalize it. Regulate it. Tax it,â?� said the American Constitution Party candidate for governor. He said despite all the time and money dedicated to the war on drugs, it has been a complete failure. â??If you can show me where we can get people off drugs by continuing down this same path, then show me,â?� he said.

Tancredo said no one skulks around parks or school playgrounds trying to sell alcohol for the simple reason that the law provides no incentive for such behavior given that you can sell alcohol legally to adults.

Republican Dan Maes and Democrat John Hickenlooper both said they oppose legalization of marijuana. The comments were made at a debate in Colorado Springs sponsored by Action 22, a political action group representing 22 counties in SE Colorado.

Maes said if pot was legalized and taxed, the money brought in would probably just be wasted on the expansion of social programs anyway. â??We might as well prostitute our teenage daughters and tax that,â?� he said sarcastically.

â??Dan and I donâ??t disagree too much on this,â?� Hickenlooper said. He said he has discussed the issue with social scientists, psychologists, and law enforcement professionals and that they all agree legalizing marijuana would be a bad idea.

Tancredo countered that he knows many people in law enforcement who support legalizing marijuana and who say dealing with people who are high on marijuana is seldom as dangerous or problematic as dealing with drunks. â??The arguments against marijuana today are they same as the arguments against liquor years ago,â?� he said.

Maes said legalized medical marijuana in Colorado was the first step toward legalization generally and that the state needs to control medical marijuana better than it is doing now. â??Theyâ??re coming in through the basement door and theyâ??re working their way up,â?� he said.

Hickenlooper said he supports medical marijuana and talked about someone he knows in city government â??who has probably never been drunk a day in her lifeâ?� but who suffers from debilitating back pain. He said marijuana is the only thing that has ever helped her. He noted that she doesnâ??t smoke it but takes a tincture.

While in Congress, Tancredo voted in 2006 for an amendment to stop the U.S. Department of Justice and DEA from using taxpayer funds to raid or investigate people involved in medical marijuana.

Tancredo calls for legalizing marijuana « Colorado Independent (http://coloradoindependent.com/62723/tancredo-calls-for-legalizing-marijuana)

So I would presume that some of you that want to legalize marijuana may want to think again about who your voting for.