Post by dino on Jul 19, 2011 16:11:04 GMT -5
The GOP field is so weak, why not a Buddy
AUSTIN, Texas — Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer will formally announce his candidacy for president on Thursday in New Hampshire, campaign aides told Reuters on Tuesday.
Roemer will be pursuing the Republican nomination, and his move comes as the party is still waiting on word from another potential hopeful -- Governor Rick Perry of Texas -- who has said he's "seriously considering" a run.
While Perry plays coy, Roemer's intentions have been among the worst-kept secrets in the race.
Roemer, who served in Congress as a Democrat in the 1980s before switching to the Republican Party while he was governor, formed an exploratory committee in the spring.
He currently serves as president and CEO at Business First Bank, which he has said "took no bailout money from the federal government."
Roemer, 67, lives in Baton Rouge but has decided to move to New Hampshire to woo the voters in that state, which has the nation's first primary.
During his time in Congress in 1981-88, he described himself as a "conservative Democrat." He became governor in 1988 and switched parties halfway through his only term.
Special interest money would be absent from his potential presidential run, said Roemer, promising to limit all donations to $100 per person.
The campaign was expected to release more details later Tuesday about Thursday's announcement, which will be in Hanover, New Hampshire.
AUSTIN, Texas — Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer will formally announce his candidacy for president on Thursday in New Hampshire, campaign aides told Reuters on Tuesday.
Roemer will be pursuing the Republican nomination, and his move comes as the party is still waiting on word from another potential hopeful -- Governor Rick Perry of Texas -- who has said he's "seriously considering" a run.
While Perry plays coy, Roemer's intentions have been among the worst-kept secrets in the race.
Roemer, who served in Congress as a Democrat in the 1980s before switching to the Republican Party while he was governor, formed an exploratory committee in the spring.
He currently serves as president and CEO at Business First Bank, which he has said "took no bailout money from the federal government."
Roemer, 67, lives in Baton Rouge but has decided to move to New Hampshire to woo the voters in that state, which has the nation's first primary.
During his time in Congress in 1981-88, he described himself as a "conservative Democrat." He became governor in 1988 and switched parties halfway through his only term.
Special interest money would be absent from his potential presidential run, said Roemer, promising to limit all donations to $100 per person.
The campaign was expected to release more details later Tuesday about Thursday's announcement, which will be in Hanover, New Hampshire.