Thompson is out; who does that help?

By Matt Dooley
Production Coordinator
Published: January 22, 2008

With word of Fred Thompson dropping out of the presidential race, I wonder what impact it will have on Virginia’s primary. It would seem two candidates have the most to gain from Thompson’s exit: Mike Huckabee and John McCain.

Thompson’s departure means the GOP field is left with only one Southern. This could make former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee all the more appealing in the more rural parts of the Commonwealth. Huckabee has already spent some time campaigning in Virginia and his more populist message could appeal to voters in places hard hit by the souring economy like Southside Virginia. Additionally, Huckabee runs well with evangelical voters, a group Thompson had some appeal with. Without Thompson splitting that more conservative segment of the vote, Huckabee could rack up some large margins in central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. He has already received the endorsement of Jerry Falwell, Jr., the chancellor of Liberty University.

The other candidate who is likely to benefit from Thompson’s decision to drop out is John McCain. Thompson and McCain are good friends and had similar stands on many of the issues. Establishment Republicans who were backing Thompson might find John McCain the closest fit.

And, that brings us to former Gov. and Sen. George Allen. Allen is a national co-chair of Thompson’s campaign. He has spent considerable time campaigning for Thompson. Will Allen endorse someone else and if so, who?