Tommy Thompson Goes Home.

Saying he has 'no regrets', Governor Tommy Thompson thanked his supporters Saturday night and officially left the campaign trail.

"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.

Comments

I almost feel bad for Tommy, his campaign was truly pathetic.

Posted by Alex | August 12, 2007 10:14 PM

No sense in kicking him while he's leaving. Tommy is a great person and has done a lot of great things while in public service.

Posted by Jason | August 12, 2007 11:20 PM

Name some, Jason.

Posted by rast | August 12, 2007 11:30 PM

Bye, bye Tommy. One by one they will all fall to Ron Paul because they all supported this adminstration. They will pay for constantly violating our rights.
They violate the 1st Amendment by opening mail, caging demonstrators and banning books like "America Deceived" from Amazon.
They violate the 2nd Amendment by confiscating guns during Katrina.
They violate the 4th Amendment by conducting warrant-less wiretaps.
They violate the 5th and 6th Amendment by suspending habeas corpus.
They violate the 8th Amendment by torturing.
They violate the entire Constitution by starting 2 illegal wars based on lies and on behalf of a foriegn gov't.
Support Dr. Ron Paul and end this madness.
Last link (unless Google Books caves to the gov't and drops the title):
America Deceived (book)

Posted by Warren | August 13, 2007 6:37 AM

I am really going to laugh when the supporters of all the lower-tier candidates who drop out early coalesce around Giuliani and Fred Thompson, and not Ron Paul.

Paul's showing in Ames was PATHETIC considering how hard his organization is trying to smear every other Republican out there.

Ron Paul is to Republicans what Lyndon Larouche is to Democrats.

Posted by Gullyborg | August 14, 2007 5:28 PM