Thompson backers wanted more energy

For Fred Thompson's Illinois supporters, his departure from the Republican presidential campaign is disappointing -- but far from surprising.

State Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine and state Sen. Carole Pankau of Roselle signed on as Thompson convention delegate candidates because they thought he offered a philosophy and record that earlier entrants into the fray lacked.

"I thought he was a solid, common-sense conservative guy in all aspects," Murphy said. "I thought he understood the most important thing, which is that there are a lot of people out there who hate the United States and our way of life."

Pankau was drawn to what she called a proven voting record to back up conservative beliefs.

Thompson had a strong and direct Illinois connection in the person of his wife, Jeri, who grew up in Naperville. The two were married in DuPage County four years ago.

State organizers managed to assemble a large slate of delegate candidates on Thompson's behalf.

But Pankau and Murphy both recognized signs of trouble soon after the former "Law & Order" actor formally announced his candidacy in September.

Pankau said his delayed entry gave him a "Johnny-come-lately" tag that made voters question his commitment.

"It's another example that you can be somebody that looks good on paper," Murphy said, "but if you don't have that fire in the belly -- if you really don't want to do this -- you're not going to be successful."

Worse, Pankau said, the former senator from Tennessee never succeeded in engaging voters.

"It seemed like he was grumpy," Pankau said. "It seemed like he didn't want to connect with people, and that's what people want in this particular campaign."

Which remaining Republican benefits most in Illinois from Thompson's departure? National pundits see Mike Huckabee as a natural beneficiary because of his similarly conservative views, but Murphy and Pankau said it's too early to judge what the effect might be in Illinois voting.