Tancredo Wins March Madness 2006

Survey Saint Louis' March Madness 2008 is all over, and it wasn't even close. Tom Tancredo's online brigade ran through everybody, including Mike Pence, who I supported.

Several interesting developments have come from this.

1. There's a significant Stop McCain movement. I've said on several occasions that I can not support him under any circumstance. Many others I'm sure feel the same way. He lost to Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorn.

2. The only first tier candidate to get to the final four was George Allen. Rudy lost in the Sweet 16. Romney in the elite 8 (Both to Pence). McCain lost in the first round. Other rumored candidates Newt Gingrich lost in the elite 8 to Tancredo. Brownback lost to Fred Thompson in the Sweet 16. Tommy Thompson lost in the 2nd Round to Mike Pence. Mike Huckabee lost in the 2nd Round to Tom Coburn. Chuck Hagel lost in the 1st round to Lindsay Graham. Bill Frist lost to Mike Pence in the first round.

3. The top two finishers had hot button issues among President Bush and Congress' weak points among the right flank of the party. Tancredo is known for immigration reform. Pence is known for spending reform. Both are also conservatives on other issues, such as life and the 2nd amendment. These issues will be major in 2008.

I'd like to see Mike Pence run. I'd also like to see Tom Tancredo run. If nothing else, these two candidates will bring issues to the debate that need to be addressed. It took Ross Perot's candidacy to bring a balanced budget to Washington thanks to the Class of 1994 Congress who got Mr. Clinton to sign it kicking and screaming (Although he signed it - give credit where it's due).

The Republicans need to remember their base. The move to the left on fiscal issues and immigration is dangerous if we want to keep the house, senate, and presidency.