Tom Tancredo’s debut as a formal candidate for governor went off without a hitch. He dressed retired casual.

He sounded like a traditional gubernatorial candidate—with a sense of humor.

Indeed, at his announcement press conference, he did a better job of explaining his platform and agenda than any of the Republicans or Obama Democrat John Hickenlooper ever have explained theirs.

Tancredo came across as authoritative, knowledgeable and a man who’s been in the public spotlight for a long time.

He’s finally capitalizing on his 10 years in the state legislature, his years in Congress and his unsuccessful 2008 campaign for president. Nothing fazes him, and he has fun.

As he has for years, Tancredo spoke about his continuing efforts to protect Colorado workers and taxpayers from illegal immigrants. He said that Colorado taxpayers pay some $250 million to pay for the infrastructure required to support illegal immigrants. And that, he pointed out, is more than the state’s budget deficit.

While promising to roll back taxes that Governor Bill Ritter and his fellow Democrats enacted as fees, Tancredo also said that Colorado’s businesses should not expect hand outs.

They should expect fair treatment, he said.

His platform is on his web site, and I’ve reproduced it and commented on it in a previous post. 

LINKs:

Tom Tancredo posts his platform for jobs, modernizing government, securing Colorado. The Business Word, 7.29.2010.

Tom Tancredo for Governor.