WASHINGTON — Colorado Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo, an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration, said Tuesday he will form an exploratory committee this week for a possible presidential campaign.

After making a weekend trip to Iowa, home to the first nominating caucus in January 2008, Tancredo said voters there told him other presidential candidates don't share their views.

"They believe that there is a void in this race that none of the other candidates are willing or able to fill," he said.

Tancredo, 61, has said immigration would be a central issue if he runs. Campaign spokesman Tim Haley said Tuesday that Tancredo would also push opposition to abortion and other conservative themes as well.

Haley said grass-roots leaders in Iowa told Tancredo they want a "true conservative" in the race to counter other potential GOP candidates, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whom some see as moderates.

linky (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003528243_tancredo17.html?syndication=rss)

If he runs I'll vote for him. He'll lose, but I'll still vote for him.

If he doesn't run I'm voting for Sharpton.

Don't know alot about Tancredo on other things . I read his book, " In Mortal Danger " but it was mainly on immigration .

I won't vote for just immigration change alone . I don't see him or anyone else sending 30 million illegals back home .

I don't think the issue has the momentum Tom thinks it does.

I think the war will be the focal point.

Lou Dobbs for president.

I will vote for Tancredo and I will work for his campaign.

I will vote for Tancredo and I will work for his campaign.

you can't be serious. we're talking about the presidency. this dude has run a one issue campaign form day one. he's brainless and noone likes him.

Then who ya gonna vote for Jojo? My advice, don't vote at all so you can claim to be non complicit in the next presidential disaster.

Hillary promises to end the war. :|

What?