Fred Thompson’s decision to drop out of the presidential race fuels speculation about which of the remaining Republican presidential candidates will attract his supporters. The issue has the most significance for states expected to draw high numbers of conservative voters in the upcoming presidential primaries, such as Tennessee, according to Vanderbilt University political scientist John Geer.
“Some political observers had speculated that Thompson might stay in the race through the Feb. 5 primaries to help his longtime friend Sen. John McCain by siphoning evangelical votes from Mike Huckabee,” said Geer. “If Thompson does not endorse any of his opponents, that could potentially open more doors for Huckabee, who apparently is having financial challenges as the campaign moves into its next phase.”
Geer, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science, notes that Tennessee is back in play on the Republican side now that Thompson has withdrawn. “We might see some of the candidates include stops in Tennessee on their campaign schedules, or, at the least, buy advertising time here.”
Editor’s note: John Geer can be reached for interviews at 615-519-2496 or by email: john.g.geer@vanderbilt.edu.