Now that his first debate is over, as far as I am concerned Fred Thompson will be the next GOP candidate for President.

No matter what others say Fred was the focus of, and winner of the debate. I know people say Rudy was outgoing and Romney was the candidate from central casting but the debate was all about Fred. Would he be able to stand up to the attacks from the rest of the candidates? Would he be able to answer questions on current issues and not make a gaff? After waiting for so long to get in the race could he get people excited? On all these questions the answer was a clear Yes!

Okay, his first answer showed he was nervous and he looked a little old but his answers were well thought out and he showed he had a good grasp of the issues. It was a little boring and people said that there was no fire but it was a debate on the economy and taxes how much electricity can you expect?

What it showed was there is a conservative who is pro life, pro second amendment, pro tax cuts and he knows who Goober and Gomer are.

I have read that Fred was not inspiring and that he was dull. I disagree. He did what he had to do and passed with flying colors. One of Romney’s people even had to admit that Fred showed he is “a top-tier candidate”. When asked if he waited too long Thompson said, “No I think it was just right.” How can you disagree? Only the political consultants and insiders were paying attention over the last six months. Although he announced last month he is first or second in all the national polls and is gaining momentum is the early primary states. I know Fred hasn’t set up shop in Illinois yet, but he has the money and according to the Tribune will be coming into the state very soon.

Having organized conservatives and the grassroots as much as any Republican in Illinois over the last 6 years, .I will tell you, people were looking for someone or something else. Why if Republicans were happy with their choices could Fred come in so much later than the rest of the field and land in the first-tier? Thompson will only get better at debates; he is at home in front of the camera and his views on conservative issues are acceptable to the base.

We know Rudy can’t win because of his stand on three of the most important issues to the base of the party—life, homosexual marriage and guns.

Romney isn’t going to win the nomination he couldn’t convince the base he changed.

McCain has angered the base and besides, it’s well past his time.

Huckabee is now in the shadow of Thompson.

The rest are on the way out.

This field is set. The way it stands Fred Thompson wins. And will beat anyone the Democrats put up!

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Veteran grassroots conservative organizer Jim Leahy served in the U. S. Marines and is executive director of the Republican Assembly of Illinois.