Roemer kicks off presidential exploratory campaign

Former Gov. Buddy Roemer formally launched his presidential exploratory campaign today, pledging to take no campaign donation of more than $100. Roemer has been largely absent from the political arena since he lost a bruising re-election bid to former Gov. Edwin Edwards and David Duke in 1991. But the Democrat turned Republican says he was motivated to run because the system has become “institutionally corrupt” and the voice of people has become drowned out by big money from special interest groups. Roemer, 67, who served as a campaign surrogate for U.S. Sen. John McCain in 2008, says two bills got him thinking about running again: the healthcare reform bill, which didn’t do anything about tort reform, and the financial reform bill, which he says gave Wall Street and big banks “a free ride.” “Today, I declare my independence from special interests, and I ask you to join my battle,” Roemer says. The former governor also addressed national political pundits who have scoffed at his chances in the Republican race. “People say, ‘Roemer can’t win. He won’t take the big money,’ ” he said during a press conference today. “That’s why I will win.” Roemer is set to go to the crucial early caucus state of Iowa to appear at an event Monday sponsored by social conservatives. He also mentioned plans to go to New Hampshire and South Carolina, two other key states for presidential candidates. “I’m going to walk across America—sometimes literally—and listen to its people,” he says. Roemer’s website buddyroemer.com launched today.