Former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson Explores Run for President
Tommy Thompson announced his 2008 Exploratory Committee with this press release. Thompson's exploratory committee's Website went live today at http://www.tommy2008.com
America must come together and get to work solving problems, building country
MADISON, Wis. – Former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said today he is exploring a run for President because we need to start building America again with common sense solutions for the common problems facing American families.
The son of a small-town grocer, Thompson said his unifying brand of common sense conservatism and strong track record of accomplishment is what America needs as it faces unprecedented challenges domestically and abroad. America must rely on its ingenuity to develop innovative initiatives that address its challenges and a unified determination to get the job done, he said.
“Let’s bring America together again. And together, let’s start solving the tough problems and creating greater opportunity,” Thompson said. “Americans are tired of the cynicism and divisiveness that too often stymies progress. We need to get back to work solving their problems and building on the great hopes they have for their families and their country.
“Despite some real challenges, America still enjoys the highest quality of life. There is nowhere in the world where a newborn child will be afforded more opportunity and freedom than the United States of America. We need to rise up to meet the great expectations we have always held for our future generations.”
Thompson would bring to the GOP presidential primary a proven track record of innovation and accomplishment that is unrivaled by other potential candidates. Thompson’s reform programs on welfare, education, health care, crime and the environment have come to serve as national models of success. As HHS Secretary, he worked to add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. And his global work on medical diplomacy, HIV/AIDS, trade, bioterrorism and health crises have made a positive mark on the international stage.
“This campaign needs to be about ideas. It needs to be about solving some of the toughest problems America has faced in generations,” Thompson said. “More importantly, it needs to be about how we’re going to come together as a nation to get things done. My entire career, I’ve brought people together to tackle some of society’s toughest issues with innovative programs that made a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Thompson said he will be spending a great deal of time in Iowa over the coming months talking about his ideas for America. Thompson, who grew up roughly 80 miles from the Iowa border in Elroy, Wis., has already visited Iowa often since Labor Day and is building a strong campaign structure in a state he frequented often as Governor.
Steve Grubbs, a highly respected former Iowa State Representative and Iowa Republican Party Chairman, has joined the Thompson Exploratory Committee as senior advisor. Grubbs previously served as GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole’s Iowa Caucus Chairman in 1996 and senior advisor to candidate Steve Forbes, who finished second in the Iowa Caucus in 2000 behind President Bush. Brian Dumas, who works with Grubbs at Victory Enterprises, also has joined the Thompson team. Thompson also will be visiting with residents of New Hampshire in coming months and is building an exploratory organization there as well.
Thompson said his ideas for the future will focus on the pocketbook issues affecting the everyday lives of Americans: health care, energy and education. The rising costs of health care, fuel and school are threatening the economic health of families and the nation. He also will forward ideas on Iraq, defense and foreign policy in coming months.
“Washington is talking quite a bit right now about a new way forward in Iraq. And, indeed, that is needed,” Thompson said. “But just as importantly, we need a new way forward in America. It’s time for Washington to get back to work addressing the challenges Americans face in their everyday lives – pocketbook issues that have been put aside for too long by political posturing.”
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