At this rate, we’re going to get to a point where I’m the only person NOT running for president.  Here’s another name:

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson on Sunday joined the crowded field of Republicans running for the White House in 2008 and proclaimed himself the “reliable conservative” in the race.

Thompson, who was health and human services secretary during President Bush’s first term, also said he is the only GOP candidate who has helped assemble both a state and federal budget.

Eh, whatever.

Found a couple things in his “promises” laundry list interesting though.  For one, Tommy gave a hint he showed up late when the wingers were handing out the Koolaid:

Thompson said he would “demand” that the Iraqi government vote as to whether it wanted the U.S. to remain in the country. If the answer were yes, “it immediately gives a degree of legitimacy.” If the answer were no, “We would get out, absolutely. It’s a duly elected government.”  (emphasis mine)

You know the answer would be no, so in a way Tommy just called for withdrawal.  A yes would be suicidal on their part, especially so considering their election amounted to official sanction of sectarian violence.  What little legitimacy they have depends on their ability to undermine the occupation, the only reason they haven’t openly said “get out” already (which the Iraqi people have already said rather loudly) is they have no reason to believe we’d actually leave if they did.

Of course, this means Tommy has no chance in hell of winning the nomination.   The lunatic fringe has veto power, and for them any suggestion of withdrawal before the return of Halley’s Comet is “spineless hippie lefty crap”.

Then again, maybe he plans to make up for that with sheer naivety…

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has made “terrible mistakes” in the handling of the fired federal prosecutors. “I would not have appointed Mr. Gonzales. I would have appointed somebody that was loyal to me,” Thompson said.

Umm…wasn’t that the problem?  Who the hell could you nominate more loyal to you than Gonzo is to Bush?  Your wife?