Roemer kicks off W.H. campaign

Buddy Roemer formally launched his presidential campaign on Thursday, trying to cast himself as a viable reform candidate instead of the quintessential long shot.

The former Louisiana governor detailed his “Free to Lead” campaign theme: he’s promising to limit contributions he accepts to $100 per person, swear off PAC dollars and target the influence of Big Money on politics.


“I have deliberately chosen a path requiring the help of many because that’s the way to win and, more importantly, that’s the way to get these mighty things done after the election,” Roemer told people gathered at Dartmouth’s Hanover Inn. “Stand with me against the special interests. Spread the word. It will change.”

Roemer, who left office in 1992 after a single term as governor and three terms in Congress, also pitched himself as an experienced leader among a field of novices without the temerity to confront the real problems facing America.

“We’re a nation at risk. Neither the president nor any of the other candidates for this office addresses or has solutions for the major problems facing America,” Roemer said.

Roemer has leased an apartment in Manchester in an effort to court voters full-time at diners, nursing homes and holiday parades. He’s counting on that one-on-one outreach to power a grassroots victory in the first-primary state.

Roemer still faces extremely long odds. Prior to announcing his presidential exploratory committee in March, Roemer had been largely absent from politics for over a decade. Since then, he’s been the president and CEO of a small Louisiana bank, which he uses to stress his business experience. His only advance into national politics was as a surrogate for Sen. John McCain during the 2008 campaign.

He has been shut out of major debates and is infrequently included in polls. When pollsters survey his chances, he frequently receives less than 1 percent support from voters, and has low name recognition.

Bound by his pledge to cap each of his donors at $100 cumulatively, Roemer has also failed to raise any significant money. As of the most recent quarterly report filed last week, he had a bare $19,000 on hand, after just $96,000 in total fundraising — which includes a $25,000 contribution to himself and a $10,000 loan.

Roemer acknowledged his long odds Thursday, but said he’s tired of waiting in the wings for someone else to pick up his mantle.

“I’m 67 years old. I’m old enough to know what to do, and now I have to get it done,” he said.

“You don’t wanna miss this campaign,” he added. “It’ll be something else.”