Tommy Thompson’s Ships Have Sailed

Our Iowa Straw Poll Wrap Up Will Be Posted Shortly

After a disappointing finish in the Iowa Straw Poll, Tommy Thompson has left the race for the Republican nomination, issuing the following press release:

“I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country,” said Thompson. “I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America.”

Thompson, who was elected to serve four terms as Wisconsin Governor and four years as Secretary of Health and Human Services, began exploring a presidential bid last December. Weeks ago, he told supporters and the news media that if he did not do well in the Iowa Straw Poll, he would step aside and leave others to work for the Republican nomination.

“No candidate is more experienced than Governor Thompson and no candidate worked harder; but sometimes the dynamics just aren’t there to bring about a victory,” said Steve Grubbs, Senior Advisor to Thompson’s campaign. “The Governor’s staff was deeply committed to him and to his candidacy. If we could have willed a victory, we would have.”

Thompson will return to the private sector as well as his non-profit work after a brief time off.

“I have very much enjoyed my years in public service and I am comforted by the fact that I think I made a difference for people during that time. I hope to continue working to serve others over the next few years,” said Thompson.

Thompson’s run for the presidency has been marked by his amazing, near Biden-like efficiency in gaffes and also by making the use of health care ships his signature issue in foreign policy. By the end, he was forced to distinguish himself from an undeclared candidate sharing his last name. He tried running as the resume candidate and also as the electable candidate, but Iowa Republicans just didn’t sell what this Thompson was buying.

Related at 2008 Central:

• Tommy Thompson Argues That He’s The Most Electable Republican Candidate
• Tommy Thompson Gets Some Hometown Explaining Gaffes
• Tommy Thompson Apologizes for Remarks About Jews