PUEBLO, Colo. -- Tom Tancredo has been a state legislator, a U.S. Congressman and a presidential candidate. On Wednesday, a month after he entered the governor's race, he began campaigning with a visit to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.

"I don't have to spend a million dollars for name recognition," Tancredo joked, referring to his strong and controversial stance on illegal immigration that made him famous.

Tancredo is campaigning as an independent in the American Constitution Party. He entered the race after becoming disillusioned at scandals involving opponents Dan Maes and Scott McInnis. Maes, who defeated McInnis in the Republican primary, remains in the race along with Democratic Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Tancredo said political labels don't mean as much as they once did, and that he considers himself a conservative above all. He said he hopes voters won't be scared away by his past comments, although he stands by them.

"What people at least can know for sure about me is that I'm who I say I am and will do the things I say I will do," Tancredo said. "Anything can happen in a race like this. Is it unconventional? Somewhat. But this is an unconventional year and time.

Tancredo also said illegal immigration will remain an important issue along with improving education, creating jobs and improving the business climate.

Fairgoers had mixed opinions about Tancredo's chance to win the governor's seat.

"At this time, I probably won't vote for him," said Brad Swartz of La Junta. "I come from an agricultural community, and we need the migrant workers there to help with the agriculture. I don't know if his strong hold on immigration is going to hurt him or not."

Dee Waite of Pueblo West said she's considering the candidate. "We want immigrants to come here," she said. "But we need to have some kind of control over who's coming into our borders, to keep us all safe and to keep them safe. I think he has a really good chance of winning because he seems to stick to his issues from the research I've done."