Sources close to Hulshof have leaked the fact that John Hancock’s assumption of the “campaign manager’s” role is causing some internal tension. Some believe putting Hancock at the helm of Team Hulshof - and today’s announcement of support from Republican state lawmakers -may stop the growing perception that Hulshof is a Fred Thompson-like candidate, but that it is a misguided PR stunt that will ultimately backfire.

Those who oppose the move quietly acknowledge: “Hancock is a poor choice for the position, given his poor record in state-wide elections, and the fact that he wants to have his professional irons in too many fires to be successful in a race for governor.”