Thompson touts staunch conservatism

Campaigning as the only true conservative running for president, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson came to one of the most Republican towns in Republican-dominated Orange County on Saturday to deliver crowd-pleasing talk of slashing taxes and securing U.S. borders.

The event was kicked off by state Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks), a favorite among the party’s conservative activists. He introduced Thompson as the first candidate in a generation to have the integrity, credentials and appeal of former President Ronald Reagan.

Thompson avoided taking any direct shots at his rivals Saturday, only subtly questioning some recent political conversions on bedrock conservative issues. He was less subdued in Wednesday’s GOP debate, attacking former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for changing his stand on abortion and going after both Romney and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for their records on illegal immigration.

“I have been the same thing that I’ve always been. I’ve been a proud common-sense conservative since the day that I first stepped into politics. What you see today is what you’ll see tomorrow,” Thompson said Saturday. “There is concern about this country, and I feel it’s going to need some senior leadership, some adult leadership.”

Thompson’s event was held in the GOP-friendly south Orange County confines of Laguna Woods, in the clubhouse of the largest gated retirement community in the U.S. Later, Thompson held private fundraisers in Newport Beach and Los Angeles.

The crowd of about 1,000 was composed primarily of people 55 and older, who warmly received Thompson’s pledge to cut taxes -- including estate taxes -- to stimulate economic growth.

Once seen as a potential savior for social conservatives, especially in the South, Thompson has yet to emerge as a top-tier candidate in the early primary states, according to recent polls. Still, supporters believe Thompson’s cordial, homespun manner, a catalyst for his successful acting career, and his no-nonsense politics will catch on with voters.

McClintock’s support could help shore up Thompson’s appeal to California conservatives, a critical voting bloc in California’s Feb. 5 presidential primary. The state senator is a well-known fiscal watchdog and is admired in the party for sticking to his conservative ideals.

“All the Republican candidates are talking conservative right now. They always talk conservative during the Republican primary,” McClintock said. “The difference between Fred Thompson and the other major Republican candidates is that where he stands today is where he stood eight years ago, and where he will be standing eight years from now, when he completes his second term as president.”

Marilyn Conrath, 71, who drove to the event from her home in Laguna Beach, said she arrived unsure of whom she would support. After listening to Thompson’s speech, she was leaning his way.

“It was really nice seeing him in person; it’s so hard when all you see are snippets on TV,” said Conrath. “I was really impressed. My biggest concerns are illegal immigration, our safety and the tax issue, and he fits in very well.”

phil.willon@latimes.com