Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

Fred Thompson's bus tour continued through Iowa yesterday where Thompson was joined by Iowa Congressman Steve King who endorsed him earlier this month. Per the Des Moines Register:

The outspoken King, one of the loudest critics in Congress of illegal immigration, provided a fiery vanguard for Thompson's campaign, giving stirring introductions for the candidate and escorting him around King's northwest Iowa congressional district.

He said Thompson would enforce the rule of law. "I don't have that confidence in any of the other candidates," King said.

King said issues involving abortion, gay marriage and immigration were ones he considered to be vital to the destiny of the country and it was Thompson's views on those that led to his choice of the actor and former Tennessee senator over Romney, his second choice.

"The destiny issues are what matters," King said. He said endorsing a candidate would cost him more than help him politically because all the other candidates would not be happy with him. "But for me to withhold my judgment from Iowans would be irresponsible," he said.

King is immensely popular in his district having easily won reelection last year. While we generally don't put a lot of stock in personal endorsements; having the popular Iowan on the bus with Thompson as they toured his district and met his constituents is a tremendous help for Thompson. It is an endorsement that those voters will remember when they go to caucus in two weeks.