Tampabay.com
JANUARY 22, 2008

Thompson's supporters split among rivals

Top Fred Thompson supporters have been inundated with phone calls from rival campaigns since the news he'll withdrawal from the race. But so far, few have decided on their next horse.

Read below to see some early converts and others who are on the fence.

John Stemberger is a former "Fred Head" who recently switched to Mike Huckabee.

Former Pinellas County lawmaker Johnnie Byrd and Zephyrhills Councilman Danny Burgess are now lining up behind John McCain, joining state representatives Sandy Murman who also recently swapped.

Escambia County GOP Chairman Clay Ingram is leaning toward Mitt Romney.

State Rep. Clay Ford, a surrogate for Thompson, is considering Romney or McCain.

Pasco GOP Chairman Bill Bunting, who organized heavily for Thompson at gun shows across the state, is also considering those two candidates. While he's undecided, he knows one thing for sure: "I'll tell you who I'm not leaning toward, Rudy Giuliani."

Other Thompson supporters now undecided (that Buzz could reach by phone today): former state lawmakers Curt Kiser and Sandy Safley and Gary Cass, chairman of the Christian Anti-Defamation League.

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

About the blog

For Florida political news today, the Buzz is your can't-miss-it source. Tampa Bay Times writers offer the latest in Florida politics, the Florida Legislature and the Rick Scott administration. Keep in mind: This is a public forum sponsored and maintained by the Tampa Bay Times. When you post comments here, what you say becomes public and could appear in the newspaper. You are not engaging in private communication with candidates or Times staffers.

E-mail Times political editor Adam Smith: asmith@tampabay.com

Advertisement

ON TWITTER



SPECIAL REPORTS

SITES OF INTEREST

POLITICAL LINKS

TIMES COLUMNS

REAL CLEAR POLITICS BLOG

POLITICS HEADLINES from the AP

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.